Math and Dance: Notes from emerging interaction

TL;DR

This paper explores the interdisciplinary relationship between mathematics and dance through a 12-year collaboration, highlighting how mathematical concepts like fractals and braids inform dance practices rooted in Black traditions.

Contribution

It presents a novel integration of mathematical ideas into dance choreography, demonstrating a long-term collaborative approach rooted in cultural traditions.

Findings

Mathematical concepts enrich dance choreography.

Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances understanding of movement.

Cultural traditions influence mathematical and dance interactions.

Abstract

Choreographer Reggie Wilson and mathematician Jesse Wolfson describe interactions of math and dance emerging from their 12+ year engagement with Black movement and music traditions as part of Wilson's research-to-performance/performance-to-research choreographic practice, with examples including fractals, braids and choreographic and mathematical notions of space, time and movement.