Pilobolus, Nature, and Science

Pilobolus, in addition to it's work with shape and light, also explores natural and scientific concepts.

Nature

Even the name Pilobolus is actually the scientific genus name for a type of fungus, pictured here! (Now you know the reasoning behind the name of my blog, kdobsfungi).

Below are some examples of Pilobolus and its exploration of nature.  Notice the use of the body in all of the photos and notice the way technology is used in the third photo.  To view more photos of Pilobolus in nature, click HERE!

This is a promotional photo for Pilobolus Dance Theatre's performance in Cleveland, OH in May 2010.  Notice this is an example of Pilobolus's site-specific work in nature, mimicking natural features like rocks in a riverbed.

This photo is from another site-specific performance by Pilobolus in canyon in Israel.  The dancers' position mirrors the layers of rock that make up the canyon.  In addition, the dancers' skin tones are also similar to the color of rock in the area, creating an interesting composition in nature.

This is a photo from a Pilobolus rehearsal, in which images of nature are projected across the bodies of the dancers.  In this moment, an image of a zoomed-in leaf is displayed.  This creates an interesting relationship between nature and technology in the arts.

In February 2005, Pilobolus's "Symbiosis" was featured on TED.  This dance is composed of two dancers who spend the majority of the dance intertwined or connected in some way, reacting similarly to a symbiotic relationship between two species.  The movement seen in this performance is fluid, natural, and organic.  The costumes are simple; showing the human body, yet coloring it in a way to infer a non-human aesthetic.

The third movement of this video is absolutely stunning.  The strength of these two dancers throughout the piece is something to be envied.  The dance is about 12 minutes, but you will want to see every second!

Symbiosis, by definition is the close, long-term relationship between two or more biologically different species.  An example that most are familiar with is the symbiotic relationship between clown fish and sea anemone.  There are three main types of symbiosis:  mutualistic, commensalistic, and parasitic.  Still confused about symbiosis?  Click here for a helpful rap about it.  This dance, depending on the perspective taken, can relate to all three forms of symbiosis.  There is a clear close relationship between the two bodies that is seen through the way they connect and share weight.  Both dancers are supporting one another, yet at times, one is getting more support than the other.  Are they both benefitting from this relationship?  Or is one acting as a parasite?  If this is so, which is the parasite?  The female dancer who is always being supported and seems reliant on the male, or male dancer who initiated the relationship and seems to need the female's companionship?  What do you think?

Science

In January 2011, Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences Journal released an article by Emily S. Cross and Luca F. Ticini titled Neuroaesthetics and beyond: new horizons in applying the science of the brain to the art of dance.  This article explores the neuroscience aspect of learning and observing dance by looking at Pilobolus, which deals with high visually stimulating material.  Part of Cross and Ticini's analysis looks at how dance helps characterize the relationship between perception and action in the human brain, specifically in how dancers can learn new movements.  Cross and Ticini state,

"Dance requires a great degree of coordination not only between the different limbs of the body but also between the individual and fellow dancers, perception and action, and time and space...Dancers' ability to transform scant visual or verbal information into highly sophisticated and expertly executed movements has great potential value to scientists" (pg. 8).

The article continues by stating that the work of Pilobolus would be exponentially important to study due to the highly cognitive aspects of the choreography.

Pilobolus seems to intrigue audiences and scientists alike with their performances.  With over 40 years of performance, it is impressive that they are still creating a buzz in today's evolving society.

References

Cross, Emily S., and Ticini, Luca F.  (2011).  Neuroaesthetics and beyond: new horizons in applying the science of the brain to the art of dance.  Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences.  Vol. 11, 5-16.