USU's Science Unwrapped Explores 'Physics of Ballet' on Oct. 16

What do physics and ballet have in common? A lot!

Utah State University physicist Tonya Triplett and Cache Valley dancer Becky Erickson will team up Friday at USU’s Science Unwrapped to demonstrate the beautiful, complex interplay of science and dance. They will present “The Physics of Ballet” at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Science Learning Center Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, on the Logan campus.

All ages are invited to the free gathering, hosted by USU’s College of Arts and Sciences (ArtSci).

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow the half-hour presentation.

“Ballet is physics in motion,” says Triplett, principal lecturer in USU’s Department of Physics. “Together, we’ll explore how every movement — each extension, leap, and spin — relies directly on mechanical laws, force distribution and momentum. We’ll also get to move a bit and it will be great fun.”

“Our Oct. 16 event is the second presentation in our Fall 2026-Spring 2027 ‘InterPLAY of Art & Science’ series,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “Tonya and Becky will take us step-by-step through a journey that demystifies the physical forces behind a beloved artform.”

Triplett and Erickson’s presentation will be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website following the in-person event.

The InterPLAY of Art & Science series schedule is as follows:

• Oct. 16: “The Physics of Ballet,” USU physicist Tonya Triplett and ballet dancer Becky Erickson.

• Nov. 13: “Uncreated: Being Human in the Age of AI,” Jordan Leary, visual artist and video game designer.

• Jan. 22: “Serious Sport as Serious Play,” USU kinesiologist Al Smith, Endowed Dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

• Feb. 26: “Live Theatre Design’s Fourth Frontier: Video as the Bridge of Light and Architecture in Theatrical Design,” USU video artist and set designer Joshua Legate.

• March 19: “Human Possibilities in Interplanetary Exploration,” planetary scientist Amanda Hendrix, Planetary Science Institute.

• April 2: “Sustainability in the Arctic,” science communicator Cana Itchuaqiyaq, Center for Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic, Virginia Tech University.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website. Parking for the event is free in the Aggie Parking Terrace at 700 E. 600 North, and in the Big Blue Parking Terrace at 850 E. 700 North. Motorists parking in these locations do not need to use the USU mobile parking application.

For more information, call 435-797-3517 or visit the Science Unwrapped website.