Afrofuturism and STEAM: A Deeper Dive

Afrofuturism, a vibrant blend of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), explores the intersection of Black culture with future possibilities.

• The term "Afrofuturism" was coined by writer Mark Dery in the late 1990s.
• This concept is reflected in various fields, including music, literature, visual arts, and technology.

The Essence of Storyboard P's "Mutant" Dance

The article uses "Storyboard P" as a central example of an Afrofuturistic dancer, whose unique dance style embodies STEAM principles.

• His dance movement is described as "otherworldly," incorporating elements of kinesthetics, kinematics, and biomechanics.
• His movements provide a visual representation of concepts such as "embodied imagining" which is a key principle in both physics and dance, suggesting a way that dance and the body can contribute to STEAM learning.

Dance and Physics: A Visual Harmony

The article delves into the relationship between dance and physics, highlighting how dance movements can be used to illustrate physics concepts.

• Physics teachers can utilize Storyboard P’s dance as a tool to explain the idea of equal and opposite forces.
• By using his performance, they can explore "embodied imagining" through imagery and metaphor, a key concept in both fields.

AI and the Future of Dance

The article explores how AI is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of dance. It uses the Carnival app as an example of how AI can be incorporated into dance and enhance its expressive potential.

• AI can simulate movement and create new forms of dance through "pose estimation," a fundamental task in computer vision and AI.
• The Carnival app utilizes AI to explore "kinematics," showcasing how AI can be used to celebrate Afrofuturism.

Exploring Biomechanics through Dance

The article emphasizes the importance of "biomechanics" in understanding dance, specifically focusing on the relationship between movement and the body.

• Biomechanics can help us understand muscle use, forces acting on the body, motor control, and the interaction between body parts.
• The article provides an "Instructable" on how to explore biomechanics with middle school students, showcasing how STEAM principles can be integrated into education.

Afrofuturism and the Power of Speculation

The article highlights how Afrofuturism encourages exploration of possibilities and impossibilities in STEAM.

• It argues that this speculative approach allows practitioners to push boundaries and challenge traditional narratives.
• The article concludes with the hope that the future will see more examples of Afrofuturistic design and prototyping, transforming concepts into tangible realities.

Greg Tate and the Legacy of Afrofuturism

The article references "Greg Tate," a prominent figure in Afrofuturism, and his essay "The Persistence of Vision" which further explores the speculative nature of Afrofuturism.

• Tate's essay emphasizes the importance of exploring possibilities and impossibilities, challenging traditional narratives surrounding Black culture.
• The article highlights Tate's belief in the power of design and prototyping as a way to translate these ideas into tangible realities.