Dancing earthquake science assists recovery from the Christchurch earthquakes

Abstract

The 2010–2012 Christchurch (Canterbury) earthquakes in New Zealand caused loss of life and psychological distress in residents throughout the region. In 2011, student dancers of the Hagley Dance Company and dance professionals choreographed the performance Move: A Seismic Journey for the Christchurch Body Festival that explored concepts of earthquake processes and human experiences. Choreographic design was assisted by a professional earthquake scientist and used human movement to represent seismologic and geologic processes, building response, collapse and demolition, and earthquake-induced psychological experiences. Performance reviews indicate the production was beneficial for audience ea..