Crystals have fascinated humans since ancient times. As scientist and crystallographer Juan Manuel García-Ruiz explains, it has been proven that the first objects collected by hominids were crystals of quartz and calcite. According to the researcher, this attraction was most likely due to the crystals’ unique optical properties and geometric shapes.
This ancient admiration for crystals was brought together with dance in the performance The Crystallization of Dance, held yesterday at the Club Hall of San Sebastián’s Victoria Eugenia Theatre, as part of the DIPC’s science outreach program. In this stage experience, science and art came together to offer complementary perspectives on the beauty and meaning of crystals. The scientific explanations were provided by García-Ruiz, but he wasn’t alone on stage: dancer Vanesa Aibar and guitarist and singer María Marín also took part.
The project has received support from several institutions: the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC); the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC); and INAEM, under the Ministry of Culture.
