Two Cultures

After watching the lectures on Charles Percy Snow’s concept of two cultures and reading "The Two Cultures and Scientific Revolution" by Snow, I was intrigued by the idea of math and art enthusiasts existing in opposite realms of the intellectual world. While I have experienced this separation and believe that it is apparent in many aspects of intellectual life, I don't find it uncommon to witness the combination of the arts and sciences. I have found that it is not only common, but necessary in the practice of ballet. 

I’ve been taking dance classes since preschool and as a more science oriented person, ballet is a way for me to express my creative side. Dance combines art and science through the amount of precision, physics, and expression involved in each body movement.

For example, when practicing a tour jete, (a huge jump that involves kicking both legs and flipping to face the opposite direction), it is important to understand the necessary placement of both arms and legs based on the laws of physics for the jump to be correctly executed. The performance aspect of ballet requires expression of grace and ease while completing this challenging move. Having an understanding of the interaction between art and science has taught me to think logically and creatively in unison, which is necessary for the perfection of ballet. Ballet dancers may be thought of as artists, but in order to excel, they must develop the technical thinking skills and dedication of scientists.  

While there is definitely a separation between the two types of thinking and the people who practice each culture, it has become less distinct in this modern era. At UCLA, though there is an obvious divide between North and South campus, but even as a math major I find myself crossing between the two multiple times per day. In my opinion, a greater number of people are becoming more well rounded in their interests which is necessary in order for both the fields of humanities and sciences to progress. There are still many stereotypes used to characterize those who excel in each subject, but I see them increasingly proved wrong. People use their differences from these stereotypes to set themselves apart and in turn become more interesting and educated. On the surface, math and ballet seem to come from opposite ends of the spectrum of science and art, but I have found that the practice of each complements the other as they both benefit from discipline, creativity, and focus. 

                                                 
                                                

Krauss, Lawrence M. "An Update on C. P. Snow's "Two Cultures": Scientific American." An Update on C. P. Snow's "Two Cultures": Scientific American. Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.

Kunzig, Robert. "The Physicist Who Figured Out Ballet." Discover Magazine. N.p., 11 Sept. 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.

N.d. Photograph. Design In Society. 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 2 Oct. 2013.
The Physics of Dance. N.d. Photograph. The Physics of Dance. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.

Tour Jete. YouTube. YouTube, 17 June 2007. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.