An Evening of Math & Dance featuring BSP's Dance of the Diagram, followed by panel discussion with Jim Simons, moderated by Heather Berlin (and joined by special guest moderator Ira Flatow on Friday, April 29).

Light the way to a greater understanding of the space and structure around us with the NYC premiere of An Evening of Math & Dance: Differential Cohomology; Dance of the Diagram.

Barkin/Selissen Project, a forward-thinking New York City-based contemporary dance company, in conjunction with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, presents two evenings (April 29 & 30th) of unique mathematics-inspired contemporary dance, followed by a panel discussion featuring notable mathematicians and choreographers collaborating in and across fields. Moderated by Heather Berlin both nights, and with special guest Ira Flatow on Friday 4/29 only, this lively conversation includes panelists such as Jim Simons, as well as Barkin/Selissen Project Artistic Directors Aaron Selissen and Kyla Barkin.

Differential Cohomology; Dance of the Diagram brings math to life as dancers contract, expand and redraw concepts with their bodies and on the stage following algebraic principles. In manifesting mathematical theory in movement and form, dancers bring the subject to a new horizon, for the mathematically inclined and challenged alike.

Set to music from Sirius String Quartet, dancers for this performance include Michael Bishop, Kara Chan, Molly Gray, Lindsay Harwell, Sumire Ishige, Fumihiro Kikuchi, Kisara Nonaka, Brianna Rivera, Amanda Sommers, Ellie Swainhart, Mark Willis.

Differential Cohomology; Dance of the Diagram was originally commissioned for the opening of the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics at Stony Brook University. Simons' research and published papers mark him as one of the primary names in the field of cohomology and his inspiration and support acted as the catalyst for the creation of this dance.

 

Things to note:

- Please enter the GERALD W. LYNCH THEATER at 524 W 59th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10019. Staff will direct you to the private theater entrance/exit from there.

- Please plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the performance time to allow for vaccination & I.D. checks and ticket scanning.

- There is a Central Parking lot on the corner of 59th Street and 11th Avenue.

- The panel discussion will begin immediately following the dance performance. If you are planning to attend the entire evening, please stay in or near your seat during the transition between the dance and the panel discussion

For further information on current and evolving covid protocols, please see Broadway League at https://www.broadwayleague.com/covid-19-updates/

STUDENTS & SENIORS: Use Promo Code Student/Senior for 15% off!

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We hope you enjoy the show and remember to sign up for our mailing list for updates at barkinselissenproject.org!

 

Credits:

Artistic Direction and Choreography: Kyla Barkin and Aaron Selissen

Lighting Design: Stephen Petrilli

Dancers: Michael Bishop, Kara Chan, Molly Gray, Lindsay Harwell, Sumire Ishige, Fumihiro Kikuchi, Kisara Nonaka, Brianna Rivera, Amanda Sommers, Ellie Swainhart, Mark Willis

This production was made possible, in part, by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC.

 

About Barkin/Selissen Project

Since 2009, BARKIN/SELISSEN PROJECT has created emotionally driven choreography that connects people to and through dance. Using contemporary dance as a platform to explore subjects ranging from mathematics to the complexities of human nature, BSP strives to infuse fresh perspectives and create an inclusive world that highlights commonalities and appreciates differences. Regarded for their integrity and idiosyncratic style, BSP blurs lines between the emotional and intellectual, dream worlds and waking states, finding dramatic shifts from articulate nuance to explosive athleticism in service of bringing dance to a broader audience.

In the successful traditions of colleagues such as Limón Dance and Janis Brenner, BSP strives to create a mindful, inspiring, and vibrant space for artistic growth, refinement, and interaction. Their work is often born from raw experimentation and evolves through structured improvisation. The company's movement style balances between easy and technically intricate, incorporating complex partnering, engaging solos, and coordinated group choreography.

Artistic Directors Kyla Barkin and Aaron Selissen’s choreography has been presented at venues across the U.S and abroad including Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out, SUNY Stony Brook’s Staller Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, West End Theater, 92Y, Bryant Park, Tempe AZ Center for the Arts, Boston’s Dance Complex, Touhill Performing Arts Center St. Louis, the National Math Festival, Yogyakarta Indonesia, and Uferstudios Berlin Germany. BSP has also performed at the Edinburgh International Conference Center in Scotland as part of Booking Dance and the Fringe Festival. Partnerships and collaborators include Jim Simons, Sirius String Quartet, Reggie Watts, Agua Trip, Zac Selissen, Kevin Keller, Lindsey Boise, Sally Taylor’s ConSenses, Festival of the Moving Body, Communicating in Partnerships through Dance/Hartford Performs, Balance 1 Academy Berlin, Limón Professional Studies Program, SUNY Brockport, and many more.

In recent years, BSP has been recognized and supported by a number of creative organizations including Ovation TV, who produced and aired a national Stand for the Arts PSA featuring BSP; a 2020 spotlight program from The NY Dance and Performance Awards, aka "The Bessies," which aired on ALL ARTS; grant support from LMCC, Dance/NYC, and The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
 

Although Barkin/Selissen Project were generally unable to engage staff, dancers, and audience by traditional means since the start of the pandemic, the company has consciously made great strides to stay active and engaged in the dance world. During the early stages of COVID, BSP established the Dancers Above Water Relief Fund to provide help to artists suffering through the pandemic. Since the pandemic, and before, BSP has focused on increasing access to dance online by releasing an open-access film series, footage of past performances and new choreography, a new blog, curated resource lists, and a range of movement classes. BSP looks ahead with an attitude of optimism and high hopes of a future supported by a fully reopened and strengthened arts industry.