"Kangaroo Time": Dance and Science Fusion Workshop

Dr. Weliton Menário Costa (event organiser), a visiting scientist and former PhD candidate in Ecology and Evolution at ANU, recently won the global “Dance Your PhD 2024” contest with his viral music video “Kangaroo Time (Club Edit)” (watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@welim...). As a singer and dance instructor, WELI is dedicated to creating engaging educational experiences by combining dance, music, and science. His project "Kangaroo Time" uses performing arts to inspire and educate children and parents about kangaroo behaviour, connecting the community to the university.
Workshop Overview

Objective: To engage children and parents in learning about kangaroos, celebrating diversity, and exploring creativity through dance and science, focusing on concepts like animal personality and social plasticity.

Duration: 1.5 hours
Target Audience: Children aged 6-12 years and their parents (open to all).
Expected Audience: 50
Workshop Content:

1. Kangaroo Behaviour Talk (10 min):
• An engaging presentation on kangaroo behaviour, tailored to be accessible and interesting for children.
• Discussion on animal personality and social plasticity, using kangaroo examples.
2. Making of "Kangaroo Time" (30 min):
• Presentation on the concept and creation of the "Kangaroo Time" music video.
• Solo showcases by dancers from the music video, including styles like drag queen performances, samba, capoeira, and Bharatanatyam.
• Explanation of how science was turned into music and dance.
3. Interactive Activity (30 min):
• Introduction: Kids are encouraged to stand closer to dancers they resonate with and try out their dance moves. They can also stand by themselves and show their own style.
• First Practice: Children focus on one dance style (represented by the dancer or their own), emphasizing their “kangaroo time” personality.
• Break and Q&A Session: Children and parents ask questions to Dr. WELI and the dancers.
• Building a Personality Spectrum: Kids are placed on a spectrum based on their dance style, correlating it to kangaroo behaviour observed in the field.
• Group Rotation: Participants rotate between groups, adapting their dance styles to the new group’s moves, learning about behavioural plasticity.
4. Recreating the Video Concept and Live Performance (10 min):
• Rehearsal: All attendees practice recreating the "Kangaroo Time" concept (individual style (personality) vs group conformity (plasticity).
• Live Performance: Concludes with a live performance of "Kangaroo Time" by Dr. WELI, featuring both the performers and the children.
5. Photo Opportunity (10 min):
• Children take photos with the performers and Dr. WELI, creating memorable moments.