Ever enjoy your research so much you felt like dancing? Here's your chance! The Boston Globe and the MIT Museum are hosting a dance competition for scientists who want to explain their innovative research while wearing a leotard instead of a lab coat. Think of it as performance science, a new way to communicate complicated scientific concepts to the public that was inspired by a "Dance your PhD" contest sponsored by Science magazine in Europe.
All you need to do is submit a video of your performance. All modes of dance from modern to mambo, ballet to ballroom are welcome, and amateur hoofers are encouraged. Six finalists will get to perform their creations in front of a live audience and a panel of judges at the Cambridge Science Festival on May 1. One lucky winner will be showered with minor gifts and given the title of Boston's Best Ballroom Scientist. Finalists' videos will also be posted on boston.com for readers to pick their favorites.
Competition rules: Anyone doing original science in New England is eligible. Performances can be by a small team or solo. Any type of dance is acceptable, but please remember that this is a family-oriented event. Performers should submit a video of their dance by Monday, April 15, in a .mov format to padarb@mit.edu. Be prepared to perform it the evening of May 1 at the MIT Museum, 265 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge. Dances should last no longer than three minutes. Accompanying music/sound is permitted.
Please include your name, your affiliation, your phone number, and your e-mail address. Also submit a short - no more than 300-word - summary explaining the science behind your dance. Organizers reserve the right to videotape the performances and post finalists' entries on boston.com. and cambridgesciencefestival.org.
