The choreography Tensegrity It stands as a bridge between dance and technology by challenging traditional notions of proximity and communication.
Directed by Abigail Jara and produced by Musse DC, the play – the result of international collaboration between Mexico, the United States and Spain – will conclude its performances today at the Raúl Flores Canelo Theater of the National Center for the Arts (Cenart).
This project began in 2019 as an exploration of the phenomenon of quantum entanglement (discovered in the 1930s by Albert Einstein) which reveals that subatomic particles can be connected in such a way that altering one instantly affects the other, regardless of the distance.
explained Abigail Jara, director of Musse DC.
Inspired by this phenomenon, Jara and her team explored ways to replicate remote connection through dance and technology from different latitudes. During the Covid pandemic, they managed to establish a network of impact and connection that is evident on stage.
The production, the result of collaboration between Musse DC in Mexico, DXArts in Seattle and Konic Thtr in Barcelona, features the participation of around 15 people, including five performers on stage and other collaborators.
The central component of the setup is a special suit equipped with sensors, developed by Abigail Jara in collaboration with technologist Héctor Exandro Ugalde. The outfit collects data on the performer’s movement, heart rate and spatial position, transmitting it to nodes in the United States and Spain.
Data is transformed into visual and sound elements in real time, allowing for continuous interaction between human bodies and artificial systems. This technology not only amplifies the stage experience, but also underlines the connection between the countries collaborating on the work.
Our actions and their impact
Jara explained that the choreography is based on “principles of self-organization and homeostasis, emulating the dynamic structure of the universe. Systemic dance, which studies how complex adaptive systems function, inspires the way dance works.” performers interact and respond to technological and physical stimuli.
The aim is to reflect the idea that we are all part of an interconnected system, where our actions have repercussions on the environment around us.
The response from viewers was remarkable since the premiere of Tensegrity, in 2021, broadcast live by the Cultural Center of Spain in Mexico, and in its subsequent presentation at the Ecoss International Festival in Barcelona.
Abigail Jara highlighted that the piece evolved with each performance, adapting to the context and space in which it was shown. The interactivity and continuous flow of information between the artists and the technical teams allowed the production to transform and deepen. Juan Pampin, director of DXArts, was in charge of the sound design.
The combination of dance and technology raises questions about how we are connected to each other and the world around us. With every movement, every transmitted piece of data, and every interaction, we offer a testament to the ability of art to transcend distance and connect people on a deeper level.
he added.
“On stage, we apply the concept of tensegrity – which refers to the interaction between tension and compression in structural systems – to show how participants affect each other without the need for direct physical contact. This metaphor highlights the interconnection between biological bodies and artificial systems.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness a performance that challenges the conventions of dance and explores the integration of technology into art, generating profound reflection on human connection and interactivity in the modern era.
The last function of Tensegrity is today at 7 p.m. at the Raúl Flores Canelo theater at Cenart (Río Churubusco 79, colonia Country Club Churubusco, borough of Coyoacán). Admission costs 150 pesos.