This program is currently on a break.
What is math? How many is a few? What moves in a circular pathway? These and other intriguing questions from “Math In Motion” and “The Magic Circle” invite students to ponder what they know about math and then explore those ideas with dance! When we harness the body, mind and imagination together, abstract concepts become tangible and understood. What a great way to learn!
“Math In Motion” and “The Magic Circle” are performed by professional dancers and travel to elementary and middle schools in Metro Birmingham and throughout Alabama. These shows juxtapose two disciplines, math and dance, showing the many connections each have to the other, and to the world around us. The dance performances explore concepts through audience participation, a wide variety of music, and a curious collection of props.
The goals of this program are to provide opportunities for students to see professional dance at their school that has artistic integrity; to instill the concept that dance is part of our lives, and is for every age and ability; and to introduce creative, multi-discipline approaches to classroom learning.
“Math in Motion”
“Math in Motion” is a modern dance performance which explores math concepts including symmetry, patterns, geometry, rhythm, and counting. It engages the audience through movement, diverse music, and everyday objects. The performance is structured around five dances with brief, thought-provoking dialogue and audience participation between each dance. Engaging and clever, the performance investigates how numbers, movement, and language interplay.
Recommended for: grades K-6
Length of Show: 45 minutes
Space needs: auditorium or gymnasium
Available: on Fridays
“The Magic Circle”
“The Magic Circle” features circularity as an overriding theme, and involves the use of whimsical mathematical props to help explore circles and circular motion. Its dances are linked to math curricula, emphasizing concepts such as shape, relationships, rhythm, and pattern. Like “Math in Motion”, the performance is fun, creative, and inspiring, interspersed with intriguing narration and audience participation.
Recommended for: grades 3-8
Length of Show: 45 minutes
Space needs: auditorium or gymnasium
Available: on Fridays
Both productions were created by Karl Schaffer, of “Dr. Schaffer and Mr. Stern Dance Ensemble”, a dance company based in California. Karl is both a modern dancer and holds a PhD in math. He is the co-author of the booklet, “Math Dance”, which presents math related activities for classroom teachers. This resource is provided to educators at each host school to investigate math through dance post-performance. The performances are valuable learning experiences to support the Alabama Courses of Study for Math and for Dance. “Math In Motion” and “The Magic Circle” were created with funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Want us to perform at your school or event?Interested in sponsoring a performance?
