The dancer in nature

Thesis (S.M. in Science Writing)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Humanities, Graduate Program in Science Writing, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 29-31).A rich body of science has grown up around the art of dance. It includes study of a dancer's relationship to Newtonian physics, dance medicine, the role of the spine in balance, and the emerging study of the neuroscience of dance. The thesis integrates personal narrative and descriptions of dance performances with scientific discussion of the art form. Greater scientific understanding of the art of dance is needed in order to improve teaching practices and decrease injuries to dancers.by Erica Naone.S.M.in Science Writin