Cymatics and SoundClash

Inspired by the fascinating world of cymatics, SoundClash is a brand new work by Kompany Malakhi’s Kwesi Johnson for Phoenix Dance Theatre. Based on the complex and beautiful patterns created by sound waves when made visible, this entertaining piece takes these actions and reactions and shapes them through Johnson’s trademark choreographic mix of contemporary, hip-hop and physical theatre.

Rather than talk about cymatics we thought we'd share with you some of the video's used for research in creating the piece. Also don't forget to pick up a copy of the Crossing Points programme for a full interview with Kwesi where he explains a lot more how science has shaped movement.

Non-newtonian fluid

The first two videos show what happens when a non-newtonian fluid made of cornstarch and water is placed in a speaker cone. Right at the start of SoundClash you'll see several group movements that are directly inspired by shapes created with this process.

Cymatic patterns

The following video shows what happens when sand is vibrated on a metal plate, as you'll see the sand forms different patterns at different frequencies.

Dr. Hans Jenny

Swiss scientist Dr. Hans Jenny was responsible for a great deal of the initial research into cymatics, here in a video from the 1960's he talks through some of the principles.

Kwesi Johnson - Rehearsals: revealed

Finally check out the latest in Phoenix's Rehearsals: revealed series where he talks directly about how the science of cymatics has helped shape the choreography in SoundClash.

SoundClash tours the UK throughout 2012 as part of Phoenix Dance Theatre's Crossing Points mixed programme. For tour dates, photography, more videos and information visit www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk