Microscopic Movements: Alexandrium monilatum and the Story of Red Tide

An interdisciplinary performance that brought the unseen world of phytoplankton to life through dance, embodying the movement and life cycle of A. monilatum as it progresses from single cells to a full “Red Tide”. With top-down stage projections simulating a microscope view, the audience experiences the curiosity and wonder of scientific discovery. The performance culminated in an aerial view of a real “Red Tide”, connecting microscopic curiosity to large-scale environmental impact.

Credits:

Choreographer: Julianne Abenoja

• Dancers: Julianne Abenoja and Maya Sheth

• Science Inspiration: Savannah Mapes, Ph.D. student

• Music: II by Civilistjävel!

News article about the project and performance:

Waves of Wonder: Marine scientists and artists collaborate to inspire environmental awareness

https://www.vims.edu/newsandevents/topstories/2025/waves-of-wonder.php

by Ethan Smith |  April 16, 2025

Coinciding with W&M’s Year of the Environment, the WoW initiative was an Art & Science Exchange collaboration between W&M Arts & Sciences and the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS. The Art & Science Exchange is funded by theOffice of the Provost to advance interdisciplinary, public-facing exhibitions, performances, workshops and presentations that promote the powerful interplay between art and science, foster collaboration across W&M schools and encourage innovative approaches to developing knowledge for the public good.

The culmination of the WoW program took place on W&M’s main campus in Williamsburg with “Exhibitions and Meditations from Waves of Wonder: A Marine Science & Art Incubator.” This multidisciplinary showcase paired undergraduates with Batten School & VIMS graduate students to create compelling art inspired by marine research.

"Microscopic Movements: Alexandrium monilatum and the Story of Red Tide," choreographed by Julianne Abenoja, performed by Julianne Abenoja and Maya Sheth, inspired by Savannah Mapes, Ph.D. student.

“Microscopic Movements” was a much-discussed piece from Batten School & VIMS Ph.D. student Savannah Mapes and undergraduate dancers Julianne Abenoja and Maya Sheth. The choreography notably incorporated top-down stage projections to simulate a microscope view onto a screen behind the dancers, vividly bringing the story of red tide phytoplankton to life.

Artists and scientists took a bow at the conclusion of "Exhibitions and Meditations from Waves of Wonder."

For a full list of the creative projects and inspiring people involved in Exhibitions and Meditations from Waves of Wonder, view the digital program.