Sponsored by Bryn Mawr College Department of Mathematics and Swarthmore College Dance Program. Supported by the Mellon Tri-College Creative Residencies Program.

A New Mathematical Performance Work with Dr. Karl Schaffer

Final Showing of Residency

Wednesday, September 26, 4:30 to 6:00 PM

4:30-5PM Participatory workshop of concepts

5-6PM Informal presentation of the work

Swarthmore College, Troy Dance Studio, Lang Performing Arts Center

*********

Where Patterns Collide: Math & Dance
Mathematics and dance are linked in many beautiful and surprising ways: the geometry of the moving body, the symmetries of dancers arrayed across the stage, the rhythmic patterns of dance phrasing, the complex connections between dancers, the varied paths through space. In this interactive workshop we will examine the ways that choreographers employ mathematical concepts, both consciously and unconsciously, and see how mathematical questions sometimes arise within a dance. All are welcome.

Karl Schaffer is co-founder and co-artistic director of the Dr. Schaffer and Mr. Stern Dance Ensemble, which has toured throughout North America since 1988. They have received five National Endowment for the Arts grants for their artistic and educational work linking dance and mathematics. His most recent concert, “The Daughters of Hypatia” celebrates the lives, work, and struggles of great women mathematicians.  He teaches mathematics at De Anza College in California when not dancing. Contact KarlSchaffer:  karl_schaffer@yahoo.com.

Sponsored by Bryn Mawr College Department of Mathematics and Swarthmore College Dance Program. Supported by the Mellon Tri-College Creative Residencies Program.

A New Mathematical Performance Work with Dr. Karl Schaffer

Final Showing of Residency

Wednesday, September 26, 4:30 to 6:00 PM

4:30-5PM Participatory workshop of concepts

5-6PM Informal presentation of the work

Swarthmore College, Troy Dance Studio, Lang Performing Arts Center

*********

Where Patterns Collide: Math & Dance
Mathematics and dance are linked in many beautiful and surprising ways: the geometry of the moving body, the symmetries of dancers arrayed across the stage, the rhythmic patterns of dance phrasing, the complex connections between dancers, the varied paths through space. In this interactive workshop we will examine the ways that choreographers employ mathematical concepts, both consciously and unconsciously, and see how mathematical questions sometimes arise within a dance. All are welcome.

Karl Schaffer is co-founder and co-artistic director of the Dr. Schaffer and Mr. Stern Dance Ensemble, which has toured throughout North America since 1988. They have received five National Endowment for the Arts grants for their artistic and educational work linking dance and mathematics. His most recent concert, “The Daughters of Hypatia” celebrates the lives, work, and struggles of great women mathematicians.  He teaches mathematics at De Anza College in California when not dancing. Contact KarlSchaffer:  karl_schaffer@yahoo.com.

Commemorative Dance for Lyndsley Wilkerson ’97

This silent participatory dance is being offered to the ’97 and other alumni as a space to honor Lyndsley Wilkerson ’97 who passed away recently. Its an extended “moment of silence” but in movement. Be assured it’s a very simple dance anyone can do. Basically it’s a slow motion meltdown from standing (or sitting) to lying fully supported by the ground.

We aim to dance in the courtyard near the belltower if permitted, otherwise we will dance somewhere near the belltower. Come find us.

We are inviting people who are not physically at Swarthmore to do this dance at the same time to join in at the time we dance (between 1:30 and 2pm).You are also invited to dance at another time or more than once and share your experiences with us.

If you chose to do this, please document your participation, ie take a photo or write a little acount of your experience and share it with us.

These can be shared via the DearLyndsley.com website in the “Upload your Memory” section by first sharing of a memory about Lyndsley or what inspired you to dance in her memory. Then add any other thoughts/reflections/ images of the dance. Instructions are on the site. We are dancing/moving at the same time that her family and friends are hosting a celebration her life in New Jersey. If you would like more details about this, contact: Erik Huneke at  ehuneke@umich.edu.

Then we will have a map of the connections and acknowledgment of those lives she has touched and where that love and influence have rippled out all over the world.

We are also inviting other alumni to dance in honor of classmates/loved ones who have passed away, including Tara Schubert ’98.

For instructions of how to do the very simple silent dance,
please email Colleen Bartley ’96 : Colleen.Bartley@gmail.com

Commemorative Dance for Lyndsley Wilkerson ’97

This silent participatory dance is being offered to the ’97 and other alumni as a space to honor Lyndsley Wilkerson ’97 who passed away recently. Its an extended “moment of silence” but in movement. Be assured it’s a very simple dance anyone can do. Basically it’s a slow motion meltdown from standing (or sitting) to lying fully supported by the ground.

We aim to dance in the courtyard near the belltower if permitted, otherwise we will dance somewhere near the belltower. Come find us.

We are inviting people who are not physically at Swarthmore to do this dance at the same time to join in at the time we dance (between 1:30 and 2pm).You are also invited to dance at another time or more than once and share your experiences with us.

If you chose to do this, please document your participation, ie take a photo or write a little acount of your experience and share it with us.

These can be shared via the DearLyndsley.com website in the “Upload your Memory” section by first sharing of a memory about Lyndsley or what inspired you to dance in her memory. Then add any other thoughts/reflections/ images of the dance. Instructions are on the site. We are dancing/moving at the same time that her family and friends are hosting a celebration her life in New Jersey. If you would like more details about this, contact: Erik Huneke at  ehuneke@umich.edu.

Then we will have a map of the connections and acknowledgment of those lives she has touched and where that love and influence have rippled out all over the world.

We are also inviting other alumni to dance in honor of classmates/loved ones who have passed away, including Tara Schubert ’98.

For instructions of how to do the very simple silent dance,
please email Colleen Bartley ’96 : Colleen.Bartley@gmail.com