About DBIS   | Story archive   | Contact DBIS  | DBIS home

Do the Math Dance

Mathematicians and Choreographers Use Dance to Teach Mathematics

May 1, 2008

Combining math and dance concepts allows people to experience a physical sensation of the often abstract concepts of math. Mathematical problem-solving is incorporated when creating new dances, which can even inspire new mathematics. Concepts can be taught in the ballroom and applied in the classroom, bring together movement, rhythm, geometry, and more.

read the full story...

Science Insider

WHAT IS MATHDANCE? Mathematical problem-solving is usually involved in the creation of the dances, and sometimes leads to new mathematics as well. In many cases the choreographic ideas easily translate to classroom activities usable in college math classes. Mathematical areas involved include polyhedral geometry, symmetry, the mathematics of rhythm, and variations on dissection puzzles such as tangrams.

The American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

Video help

Latest stories

  • Blood Test for Breast Cancer
  • Building the Perfect Butterfly House
  • Feeling Through Your Computer
  • Fire Stopper
  • Knowing Where Tornadoes Will Strike

More information on this story

On The Web: Math Dance

To Go Inside This Science:
American Mathematical Society www.ams.org
Providence, RI 02904-2294
1-800-321-4267

Mathematical Association of America www.maa.org
Washington, DC 20036-1358
1-800-741-9415

Dr. Karl Schaffer
MoveSpeakSpin
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
karl_schaffer@yahoo.com
831-335-1861


© 2008 American Institute of Physics