Math in Motion

这是一个快速的实验 - 让一群人聚在一起，并要求他们列出他们不太擅长的东西。数学和舞蹈可能最终会出现在这些列表上。

Tye Lidman and Michelle Pearson are looking to change that. Lidman is an assistant professor of mathematics at NC State. He studies topology, or the structure of shape — specifically knots. Pearson is the director ofBlack Box Dance Theatre, a modern dance troupe that specializes in nonfiction dance and education. Together they’ve created a modern dance performance that explores complicated mathematical concepts — with NC State students and local community members taking part.

Podcast: Lidman and Pearson describe their collaboration

Transcript

“Topology is a tool for studying something’s core structure,” Lidman said. “It’s a good tool for data analysis. For example, topology shows us how large chunks of data may be clustered so that researchers can find important patterns within the data. Or it’s good for studying things like the shape of DNA and how changing that structure might change its function.”

But even though topology is useful, it can be hard to explain. Lidman’s latest research is funded by the National Science Foundation, which encourages scientists to think about fresh ways to communicate what they do to the general public.

“I actually minored in dance in college, and while I was there I saw a program called Dance Your Ph.D., in which scientists would compete by creating dances to illustrate their work,” he said. “Topology is a very visual field, so I thought dance would be a good medium for explaining it.”

When it comes to conveying complicated topics through dance, Pearson and Black Box are seasoned veterans. The troupe is part of the North Carolina Arts Council Cartwheels Program, and has done programs for K-12 schools in topics ranging from astronomy to the Underground Railroad.

皮尔森说：“当泰（Tye）以这个想法向我接触时，他解释了自己的作品是关于塑造在太空中的方式，我想，‘好吧，我是一个形状，所以这确实是一种自然的健康。”“舞蹈是关于与一个主题建立人的联系 - 在这种情况下，您正在使用人体以及它们创建形状来谈论拓扑的数学方面的方式。”

利德曼（Lidman）和皮尔森（Pearson）进行了为期两年的合作，试图找出与拓扑结合大学内外吸引观众的最佳方法。结果是标题为“应用舞蹈 +灵感数学”的表演。

One of the most unique aspects of the dance is its participatory nature. The performers aren’t just from Black Box — they include NC State students and dancers, community members ranging in age from 12 to 64, high school students and Lidman himself.

After the performance, Pearson and Lidman hope to take portions of the larger work on the road — doing workshops and math/dance labs in schools around North Carolina.

皮尔森说：“这里的想法是将可能对舞蹈或数学感兴趣的人带入。”“对于可能想到的人来说，这是一个机会，‘哦，我不能做数学或跳舞。’我们的两个领域都吸引了这种情绪，我们想解决这个问题。你可以做这些事情。”

“Math isn’t just about memorizing formulas and being bored,” Lidman added. “The math people learn at an early age doesn’t give you a picture of all the aspects of math. Maybe you’re not great with formulas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do math. Topology is about visualization and creativity, and we want to give people the opportunity to experience that themselves.”