Meeting Abstract
Communicating complex scientific ideas to broad audiences continues to be a challenge for those of us in the integrative biology community. Here, we describe a project that uses dance and music to communicate basic ideas about evolution, and more specific conclusions from current evolutionary biomechanics research. We have put together a joint lecture and dance performance designed to fit within the traditional Biology seminar format. The project is a direct collaboration between Biology and Dance faculty, and the performance uses a company of student dancers and a student composer. The performances invite both arts and sciences faculty and students to observe and then interact through a conversation following the performance. We are assessing the impact of the project on audiences and participants. Our expectation is that biologists will learn some biology content, but mostly will gain appreciation for the art as it is expressing familiar ideas. Furthermore, we expect that arts audiences will have access to biological knowledge because of its presentation in the context of performance. Our aspiration is to have a more profound impact on audiences, challenging them to think in new ways. Although challenging, we find that this multidisciplinary approach has the power to engage and deepen understanding for a diverse set of students.
