Dancing Nature: Science Storytelling Through Ballet

Join our Biology Ballerina for an exploration of the natural world through pliés and pirouettes.

Over the centuries, many art forms have been used to tell scientific stories—from Leonardo Da Vinci’s explorations of human anatomy to the influence of Maxwell's electromagnet wave theory on the Impressionists.

As a professionally trained ballet dancer and fungal researcher at Imperial College London, Eleonora Moratto is continuing that tradition and combining her two passions.

After a prize-winning performance dancing her own PhD on Plant-pathogen interactions, she will take to the stage at this year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival alongside collaborators from Chelsea Ballet. Together they will respond to short talks from natural world scientists, creating a series of performances that will explore the human impact on our changing planet.

This is a ticketed event, advance booking will open shortly.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are best suited for ages 16+.

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

To see the precise location of where this talk is taking place, you can use what3words.com with the code 'zealous.older.medium'. 

The lecture theatre is inside the V&A, you can enter by stairs on Level 2 or step-free access is available via the lift on the museum’s ground floor by the V&A cafe.

There are designated wheelchair seating areas and space within the theatre to accommodate assistance dogs. The theatre uses staggered seating with handrails mounted on the walls on either side of the room to assist those with limited mobility. 

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.