| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 50.27 |
| Liaison | Jessica Thompson |
| Submission Date | Feb. 18, 2020 |
Northern Michigan University
IN-47: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Sarah
Mittlefehldt Professor Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change through Dance
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
In March 2018, Dr. Jessica Thompson gave a riveting TEDx talk on how to change the conversation around climate change. The talk was based on over a decade of research on how to communicate climate science to diverse audiences. Northern Michigan University’s Director of Theater was so impressed by Dr. Thompson’s TEDx talk that he asked if she would be interested in adapting the talk for creative performance on stage. Enthusiasm for the project grew and soon faculty members from Dance, Art & Design, and Music all joined Dr. Thompson to work on a creative collaboration that would transform the TEDx presentation into a multi-dimensional artistic experience.
The initiative, called “What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change through Dance,” became a collaborative dance, multimedia, lecture and live music performance that premiered at NMU in November 2019. The show explored how to change the conversation surrounding climate change by examining and relating to the people and places we love.
After several highly successful performances on campus, the performance was selected to perform on Jan. 9, 2020 at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 3 event in Madison, Wisconsin. This was the first time a production from NMU was selected for this honor since 1995.
Dance instructor Jill Grundstrom noted that “Dr. Jes Thompson's research, which is the backbone of the performance, promotes a more human approach to addressing climate change; one of facts and empowerment instead of convolution and doom.” Bill Digneit, head of the Theater and Dance Department, added, "This is a huge accomplishment because there are no divisions in KCACTF like there are in athletics based on the size of a university, its program or budget.” Northern Michigan University is in the same category as the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin. Digneit added “For us, it's like making the regional finals in a DI sport or the final four of the WCHA. It's cool to know we can be a smaller school in the U.P. and show up with the big guys."
For more info, see: https://news.nmu.edu/dance-showcase-invited-regional-kcactf
The initiative, called “What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change through Dance,” became a collaborative dance, multimedia, lecture and live music performance that premiered at NMU in November 2019. The show explored how to change the conversation surrounding climate change by examining and relating to the people and places we love.
After several highly successful performances on campus, the performance was selected to perform on Jan. 9, 2020 at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 3 event in Madison, Wisconsin. This was the first time a production from NMU was selected for this honor since 1995.
Dance instructor Jill Grundstrom noted that “Dr. Jes Thompson's research, which is the backbone of the performance, promotes a more human approach to addressing climate change; one of facts and empowerment instead of convolution and doom.” Bill Digneit, head of the Theater and Dance Department, added, "This is a huge accomplishment because there are no divisions in KCACTF like there are in athletics based on the size of a university, its program or budget.” Northern Michigan University is in the same category as the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin. Digneit added “For us, it's like making the regional finals in a DI sport or the final four of the WCHA. It's cool to know we can be a smaller school in the U.P. and show up with the big guys."
For more info, see: https://news.nmu.edu/dance-showcase-invited-regional-kcactf
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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