Long before the establishment of Newton’s theory of gravity, humans have been fascinated by gravity. Elevation from earth, after all, has figured prominently in religious imagery. Mankind’s dream to fly has become so popular that it contributes substantially to ruin the blue planet. Defying gravity as much as feeling the amplified force of it have become a continuous challenge. In sports we adore the bouncing on a trampoline and classical dance derives a lot of its charm from the suspended moments in air. Beware the landing and get accompanied in your first steps.
Modern Dance is equally creative in the challenge to defy human gravity. Trisha Brown (1971) suspended dancers horizontally so that they could walk in space at least along fixed lines and perpendicular to the surface. The physics of our body change in this bird-like position. Dancing in equilibrium on a horizontally suspended line leaves the audience amazed. The spectacular setting and performance at the “Neue Nationalgalerie” transforms the architecture again into a playing ground for choreographers. Suspension from human gravity is hard work, beyond “¾ Walzer” rhythm and, of course, it takes 2 to tango to feel the suspension.
