Hixon Dance announces its new production Entanglement, where Science meets Dance, happening in three public performances: April 5 & 6 at 8pm at Columbus Dance Theatre in downtown Columbus, and on April 13th at 8pm at The McConnell Arts Center in Worthington. The work features choreography and direction by Sarah Hixon. Using principles of quantum mechanics as a jumping off point for creative design, Hixon Dance brings two new compelling works to audiences that examine the chaos and beauty of science and art.
The program opens with “Spooky Action at a Distance.” Artistic director Sarah Hixon, composer Jacob Reed, and astrophysicist Dr. Gregory Mack (Senior Program Officer at the National Academy of Sciences) began collaborating with discussions about the theory of entangled particles in Quantum Mechanics. In this theory, the physical properties of two particles can become entangled and remain so over vast distances. When you measure, or observe, one of the particles in one place, the other particle—even light years away—will instantly change its properties, mysteriously connecting the two. This “spooky action” or change typically creates opposition (e.g., if one spins left, the other spins right). A cast of 6 dancers will bring the piece to life, using movement that focuses on opposition and interaction. A new score by Reed will be performed by The Columbus Ohio Discovery Ensemble featuring flute, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, and vibraphone.
“Entangled” is a multi-layered work that weaves disparate narratives together to create new meaning. Each narrative encompasses a different scale of transformation, from galaxies colliding to shifting global borders, and finally to the challenges and changes of an intimate relationship. Dramaturg Chris Leyva will juxtapose each story against the other, revealing surprising connections. Likewise, three dances will be spliced and combined to provide opportunities for new insights into the way our lives continually transform.
Other collaborators in this production include J Lillian Gray (lighting design), Brandon Abbott (video artist), and dancers Victoria Alesi, Julia Ayau, Danielle Kfoury, Rachael Riggs Leyva, Jordan McDowell, Jasmine Shafley, and Marissa Thomas. This work is supported by The McConnell Arts Center, The Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Foundation, The Johnstone Fund for New Music,
and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.
Hixon Dance is a modern dance performing ensemble founded in 2007 and based in central Ohio. The company has been a mainstay of the independent dance scene over the years, active in concerts, showcases, collaborations, festivals, and educational events. They recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary in a retrospective performance at the McConnell Arts Center. For more information, please visit www.hixondance.com.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and are available in advance online at hixondance.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.