John Bohannon presents A Modest Proposal
I’ll let this presentation speak mostly for itself. I’ve been a fan of the “Dance Your Ph.D.” contest and concept since discovering it a few years ago (it received a mention in 2010). But I want to thank a reader and soon-to-be guest contributor, Jessica of One For All Dance Academy for pointing me to Bohannon’s recent TEDxTalk.
Watch the insightful and entertaining presentation first.
You may notice its relationship to the Jonathan Swift essay you discussed in school somewhere along the way.
Then find out how the presentation was crafted and learn about the choreographers and collaborators, Carl Flink and Edward Oroyan and dance company, Black Label Movement.
I also suggest that you read and maybe even contribute to the ongoing discussion in the TEDxBrussels comments.
If you want to see more excellent examples of scientists using dance to explain concepts, see the videos at Dance Your Ph.D.
If you like the music in this presentation, composer Greg Brosofske has made it available for download.
My favorite part of this presentation is that while reminding us of the usefulness of movement to express complex concepts or explore and understand ideas, Bohannon uses satire to make a statement about justifying or judging the arts and artists only according to their “usefulness.” Science standing up for arts’ sake; that makes me smile.
What’s your favorite part?
Did the dance help you understand the scientific concepts explained?
Have you been part of a project combining dance and science or research?
Share your thoughts in our comment section.
Nichelle Suzanne is a writer specializing in dance and online content. She is also a dance instructor with over 20 years experience teaching in dance studios, community programs, and colleges. She began Dance Advantage in 2008, equipped with a passion for movement education and an intuitive sense that a blog could bring dancers together. As a Houston-based dance writer, Nichelle covers dance performance for Dance Source Houston, Arts+Culture Texas, and other publications. She is a leader in social media within the dance community and has presented on blogging for dance organizations, including Dance/USA. Nichelle provides web consulting and writing services for dancers, dance schools and studios, and those beyond the dance world. Read Nichelle’s posts.
