Episode 32 | Physics Meets Ballet: How Dr. Merritt Moore Blends Science and Dance

Summary

Dr. Merritt, a professional ballerina and physicist, shares her journey of pursuing both dance and physics. She discusses how her background in physics has helped her in ballet, particularly in understanding concepts like torque and angular momentum. She also talks about her work in dancing with robots and the emotional connection she feels while performing with them. Dr. Merritt explores the potential of AI in dance, including using AI as a creative tool for choreography and enhancing athleticism. She also discusses the impact of technology on young dancers and the challenges of pursuing two demanding careers. Merritt Moore discusses the challenges she faced in pursuing both physics and ballet, the importance of staying motivated, and the value of work-life balance. She emphasizes the need to follow your own path and not be swayed by others' expectations. Moore also shares her creative process in choreographing dances with robots and the importance of networking and saying yes to opportunities.

Takeaways

- Dr. Merritt's background in physics has been beneficial in her ballet career, helping her understand concepts like torque and angular momentum.
- Dancing with robots allows Dr. Merritt to express personal and emotional experiences in her performances.
- AI has the potential to enhance dance by assisting with choreography and improving athleticism.
- Technology can play a role in attracting young people to sports and athletics.
- Pursuing two demanding careers requires time management and dedication.
- Pursuing multiple passions can be challenging, but staying motivated and putting in the hard work can lead to success.
- It's important to follow your own path and not be swayed by others' expectations or societal norms.
- Finding joy in your work and balancing it with other activities that bring you joy can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout.
- Networking and saying yes to opportunities can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
- Creativity and thinking outside the box can lead to innovative and unique projects, such as dancing with robots.

Sound Bites

"Physics has applications to the real world, but also is so mysterious and weird. I just fell in love with it."
"The most emotional pieces that I've ever performed are with the robot."
"What if we could use AI as a creative tool to help with choreography?"
"I don't know if I'm shooting myself in both feet."
"I think confidence comes with experience."
"Even if you try your hardest, you need to really put in the work."

Chapters

00:44 Introduction and Background

02:52 The Intersection of Ballet and Physics

05:13 The Physics of Dance

06:42 Emotional Depth in Robot Performances

10:24 Behind the Scenes with Robots

12: 32 Competing on 'Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?'

17:12 The Potential of AI in Dance

20:34 Technology's Role in Attracting Young Dancers

22:58 Balancing Two Demanding Careers

28:58 Staying Motivated and Following Your Own Path

36:49 The Creative Process of Choreographing Dances with Robots

39:55 The Power of Networking and Saying Yes to Opportunities

About Dr. Merritt
Dr. Merritt is a Harvard graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors in Physics and holds a PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics from Oxford. Alongside her academic achievements, she has a professional ballet career, having performed with prestigious ballet companies worldwide. She was named in Forbes' 30 under 30 and was a finalist on BBC's "Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?" Merritt advocates for blending arts and sciences and has been a featured speaker at high-profile events. As an artist-in-residence at Harvard ArtLab, she is creating innovative projects merging dance, robotics, AI, and physics.

Connect with Dr. Merritt
LinkedIn: @merritt-moore
Instagram: @merrittmoore