Science Worth Dancing About | Andy Noble | TEDxSHSU

Does dancing transform the brain? An arts-science team comprised of choreographers, composers, and neuroscientists uses neuroengineering breakthroughs to study the dancer’s brain in action and investigate the ways that dance enhances brain development. Choreographer Andy Noble shares how the artform of dance, with its ability to tap into our creative, emotional, and physical selves, is a prime candidate for neuroscientific study. A live performance/experiment shows the brain activity of two dancers, Tyler Orcutt and Lauren Serrano, as they dance an excerpt from “Meeting of the Minds.” A neuroscience team, led by Dr. Jose Contreras-Vidal, captures brain data from the dancers in real time. Choreography is by Andy and Dionne Noble and music is composed by Dr. Anthony Brandt. Andy Noble is Co-Artistic Director of NobleMotion Dance and a Professor at Sam Houston State University. Andy’s body of work includes 21 evening-length productions and over 150 dances. His focus on innovation and interdisciplinary work has led to collaborations with neuroscientists, A.I. designers, industrial designers, light artists, composers, poets, musicians, and photographers. Most notably, he worked with Academy Award winner John Ridley to create original choreography featured on the Emmy Award Winning and Golden Globe Nominated ABC TV show “American Crime.” His work has been performed internationally and presented at The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts. Additionally, his choreography has been presented by Repertory Dance Theatre, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Bruce Wood Dance. Andy is an educator, performer, and choreographer, and his work directing NobleMotion has led to the organization being awarded Houston’s Best Dance Company. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx