Why Dance Matters often meets people whose interest in dance sits alongside expertise in a completely different field. Merritt Moore’s talents seem especially unlikely: she’s a Harvard-trained physicist who dances with robots. She is also a professional ballerina, performing at the highest level (most recently with Boston Ballet). Can the rigours of the ballet studio meet the intellectual challenges of the lab? During lockdown, Merritt began exploring the world of dancing with robots, and they now perform together across the world. And Merritt also dreams of being the first ballerina in space.Merritt Moore graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors in physics from Harvard and with a PhD in atomic and laser physics from Oxford. She also pursues a professional ballet career, with the Zurich Ballet, English National Ballet and Norwegian National Ballet, and most recently Boston Ballet. An Adjunct Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi teaching Creative Robotics, she also appeared on the BBC series Astronauts: Do you have what it takes? During the pandemic, she programmed and danced with robots and has been invited to perform at Boston Ballet, Forbes Women's Summit, Harvard AI Opening and more.Or follow Merritt on social media:Instagram @merrittmoore Twitter @merrittmooreFind out more about the work of the RADFollow the RAD on social media and join the conversation with host David Jays:Instagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list to keep in touch!RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign or making a donation.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.