Press Release: Axis Dance Company Premieres Innovative Performance "Kinematic/Kinesthetic" in San Francisco
San Francisco, CA — The Axis Dance Company, a trailblazing ensemble based in Oakland, California, is set to premiere its groundbreaking performance “Kinematic/Kinesthetic” on Thursday at the Exploratorium museum. This innovative work merges art, dance, and cutting-edge mobility technology, challenging conventional perceptions of assistive devices like crutches.
Traditionally viewed as mere tools for mobility, crutches are often seen through a pragmatic, medical lens. However, Axis Dance Company, comprising both disabled and non-disabled dancers, reimagines these devices, seeing them as sources of creative expression and dynamic movement. For the dancers, a crutch transforms into a partner, an extension of themselves, and a symbol of limitless possibilities.
The centerpiece of “Kinematic/Kinesthetic” is the introduction of telescoping crutches, designed to extend and retract, allowing for imaginative forms of movement. This performance results from a collaboration between interdisciplinary artist Ben Levine, choreographer Nadia Adame, and engineering students from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Maryland. In addition to the crutches, the show features a hexapod robot that provides users with six legs, alongside a hands-free Omeo wheelchair.
Ben Levine, who brings his personal experiences into the project, aims to broaden the understanding of the interaction between bodies and technology. He emphasizes that dancers possess a deep physical awareness, and individuals with disabilities often have extensive interaction with mobility devices. By involving dancers in the design of these technologies, the project aspires to reshape notions of assistive devices and encourage new modes of movement.
“Kinematic/Kinesthetic” not only promises an engaging performance but also invites audiences to rethink the relationship between disability, creativity, and technology.
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