In the foreground, AXIS Dancer JanpiStar lies backwards and belly-forwards on top of their manual wheelchair, holding one arm on the ground as they twist their torso upwards to extend one long, silver telescoping crutch into the air. Behind them, Alaja mirrors this gesture by placing one telescopic crutch on the ground; using this to support their weight as they lift one leg up into a high arabesque that is parallel to Janpi’s crutch.

Text: Photo by Rob Suguitan of JanpiStar & Alaja Badalich

Kinematic/Kinesthetic is a groundbreaking work that integrates emerging and existing technologies to expand movement potential for both disabled and non-disabled dancers. Watch as AXIS Dance Company pushes the boundaries of dance technology through the use of dynamic mobility devices, including telescoping crutches and robotic hexapod legs developed by engineering students at Carnegie Mellon and University of Maryland working with multidisciplinary artist Ben Levine. Journey to the intersection of art, disability, and access technology in this captivating performance.

This presentation of Kinematic/Kinesthetic features special performance by choreographer & roboticist Dr. Catie Cuan. Following the performances will bea panel discussion moderated by Sydney Skybetter, director of Brown Arts Institute and associate professor of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS).

This is an ADA-accessible venue.

Audio Description and ASL interpretation.

Tickets: $16 - $68

Box office/questions: bingboxoffice@stanford.edu or 650.724.2464.