October 4, 2005

Science and the Dance: The Perfect Partnership

The Institute of Physics commissioned England's leading modern dance company, Rambert Dance Company, to develop a dance program that celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Albert Einstein's three great scientific papers of 1905. The work, "Constant Speed: Physics in Motion," is a tribute to Einstein's famous work and discoveries about Brownian motion, the special theory of relativity (E=MC2), and the photoelectric effect.

Constant Speed was first performed at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London on May 24th and this dance piece will continue to be performed throughout the rest of 2005 and into 2006.

I had a great time visiting the online resources (links above) that provide background and insight about how this work came to fruition and how the choreography and dancing pay tribute to Einstein's discoveries. On the Rambert Dance Company website, there is an excellent video that includes a brief history of Rambert along with footage from Constant Speed rehearsals.

Since I enjoy learning about both science and dance it was a thrill to study these write-ups and videos. Now I have to figure out when to go to London to see the performance.