Dartmouth Events

A choreo-ecology at the intersections of mythology, science and our natural landscape.

The third installment of Richard Move's evolving body of site-specific work, Herstory of the Universe@Dartmouth, leads us through forests and fields, conjuring vital ecological issues. The title, Herstory of the Universe, refers to the resilience of Mother Nature and Earth's remarkable potential to renew itself. 

A previous iteration of the project at Governors Island was named Best Dance of 2021 by The New York Times, and now, Move is redeveloping the ambitious work for Dartmouth during their residency at the Hop in August 2023.

In addition to four dances adapted from previous iterations, Move has choreographed a new piece, entitled Trophic Cascade, that draws inspiration from the college's unique surroundings. The "rewilding" of the golf course, which was recently closed, can lead to a return of the land's natural habitat. Move's choreography evokes this triumph of nature, drawing inspiration from such things as the re-emergence of the osprey population.

The performance begins at the Dartmouth Outing Club with an Indigenous welcome song by Black Hawk Singer Bryan Blanchette, then wends its way from Occom Pond across the former Dartmouth golf course. Dance vignettes inspired by ancient Japanese, Greek and Indian mythological figures engage with local ecosystems.

Herstory of the Universe@Dartmouth will be performed by an exquisite cast of dance artists including Lisa Giobbi, Celeste Hastings, Yoni Kallai, Blakely White McGuire, Akua Noni Parker, PeiJu Chien-Pott, Suzzanne Ponomarenko and Aoi Sato, with costumes by Karen Young.

Each performance culminates in a conversation with Dartmouth faculty that dovetails with the themes explored in the work. 

Fri, Sep 15: Ecologist and post-doctoral researcher Jessica Trout-Haney discusses aquatic ecosystems and Occom Pond.

Get more info and tickets here.