Dancing earthquake science assists recovery from the Christchurch earthquakes

Abstract

The 2010–2012 Christchurch (Canterbury) earthquakes in New Zealand caused loss of life and psychological distress in residents throughout the region. In 2011, student dancers of the Hagley Dance Company and dance professionals choreographed the performance Move: A Seismic Journey for the Christchurch Body Festival that explored concepts of earthquake processes and human experiences. Choreographic design was assisted by a professional earthquake scientist and used human movement to represent seismologic and geologic processes, building response, collapse and demolition, and earthquake-induced psychological experiences. Performance reviews indicate the production was beneficial for audience earthquake recovery. Post-performance surveys of dancers and choreographers provide information on the educational and therapeutic benefits relating to their respective involvements in this project, qualitatively assessed in terms of recovery elements (hope, healing, empowerment, and connection) and quantitatively measured using a ‘Recovery Index’. Involvement in this production was beneficial in assisting with earthquake recovery for both dancers and choreographers. Dancers rated their recovery higher than choreographers, which we attribute to the greater level of total immersion in the performance including participation in earthquake lectures. Christchurch-resident participants rated their personal assessment of recovery higher than non-residents. This study highlights how integrating dance with science can assist in recovery from natural disasters.