Associate Dance Professor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ George is among the four artists from the University of Arizona participating in Imagination 1, a six-day simulated moon mission. This innovative endeavor challenges participants to explore the intersections of art, culture, and life beyond Earth.
George, in her 19th year at the School of Dance, was motivated by the mission’s collaborative and interdisciplinary nature. George sees immense potential for community engagement and student involvement. Her rapport with fellow artists Christopher Cokinos, Julie Swarstad Johnson, and Ivy Wahome fosters a supportive environment, devoid of ego, conducive to profound artistic exploration.
With an intention to foster connection and inspire others, George aims to leverage this unique opportunity to engage with her crewmates, the Biosphere team, and ultimately, share insights and experiences with dance majors back at the School of Dance.
Throughout the mission, George will delve into exterior surface dance and body work, adapting movement to non-terrestrial environments with varying gravity conditions. Her research aims to refine movement within confined spaces and limited resources, potentially informing astronaut training for lunar excursions.
She is working with a videographer to film and edit the movement material she curates at the Space Analog for Moon and Mars, as well as a team of musicians to create an abstract documentary that will inspire a live performance opportunity for the dance majors on stage at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre.
Pre-moon mission, George facilitated an immersive experience for students, inviting them to the Space Suit Lab led by Trent Tresch from the Center for Human Space Exploration. Here, students gained hands-on experience with space suit components and practiced movement within the suits.
George is eager to provide more of these enriching opportunities, prioritizing student-centered learning and expressing gratitude for the unique experiences she encounters.