Autumn Associates – The Parsley Collective

‘The Parsley Collective’ is a newly established group of five Limerick-based dance artists: Salma Ataya, Mary Nunan, Isabella Oberlander, Rachel Sheil, Angie Smalis. We have come together because of our shared interest in researching the raw materials of movement and modes-of-being in improvisation together.

Our current research process is called ‘The Parsley Collective: Tasting Space’. As part of this process we are exploring and refining an approach to movement-research and improvisation called z(ero)ing. The latter comprises a series of tasks, some of which are designed to support us to work as directly as possible with one of the raw materials of movement: space: to connect with it as a substance rather than an abstract idea.

The notion of ‘collective finding’ (pooling our collective dance experience, intelligence and imaginations) is central to z(ero)ing. So in addition to researching movement and ideas/structures for improvised performances, we are also testing the way in which the ideology of ‘collective finding’/ shared artistic ownership impacts our working relationship. 

We all have a strong sense, even at this very early stage of our research, that z(ero)ing does ‘something’ really interesting, not only to tone and texture of our movement, but to our imaginations as well.

Our Mission (Impossible) Statement

We’re ambitious. We want to be able to walk through walls. Or to have walls walk through us. We’re not afraid of failing. Today.

The Parsley Collective: ‘Tasting Space’ current research process is funded by a Limerick City and Council Arts Office bursary award. Supported by Dance Limerick as one of its Autumn Associate Artists.

The Autumn Associates Programme is a partnership between Dance Limerick and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.