Performances May 8 & 10 at Exploratorium, May 21 at Stanford University
Kinematic/Kinesthetic is a groundbreaking work that integrates emerging and existing technologies to expand movement potential for both disabled and non-disabled dancers. Watch as AXIS Dance Company pushes the boundaries of dance technology through the use of dynamic mobility devices, including telescoping crutches and robotic hexapod legs developed by engineering students at Carnegie Mellon and University of Maryland working with multidisciplinary artist Ben Levine. Journey to the intersection of art, disability, and access technology in this captivating performance.
Performances
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Performance at 7PM
Panel Discussion at 8PM (ASL Interpretation)
Part of Exploratorium’s After Dark Thursday Nights, for ages 18+
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Performances at 12PM (ASL Interpretation) and 3PM (Audio Description, pre-show Touch Tour at 2pm)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Stanford Live, Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University
Performance at 7:30PM, including a special performance by choreographer & roboticist Dr. Catie Cuan
Followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sydney Skybetter, director of Brown Arts Institute and associate professor of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS)
ASL Interpretation and Audio Description provided, with pre-show Touch Tour at 6:30pm.
“With Kinematic/Kinesthetic, we aim to push the boundaries of movement by blending technology with dance, unlocking new possibilities for both disabled and non-disabled dancers to move, connect, and express themselves in ways we never imagined.”
– AXIS Artistic Director Nadia Adame
Created with funding from a Hewlett Foundation 50 Arts Commission.
All photos by Rob Suguitan, with dancers JanpiStar, Alaja Badalich, Julie Hasushi, & Tebandeke Joseph
Meet the Artists
Ben Levine, Lead Artist
“Kinematic/Kinesthetic reflects on the relationship between the disabled body and the machine. The work has allowed me to process experiences with my disability, how they have shaped my relationship with technology, and how that has made me into the person and artist I’ve become.” —Ben Levine
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Ben Levine (he/they) combines his dance and theater training with his knowledge of technology and a firm mindset that anything is possible to make awesome art. He brings over a decade of experience to his roles as a “maker,” director, choreographer, and installation artist. Named “Best Up-For-Anything Technical Director” by the Washington City Paper, Ben works as a theater technician and carpenter, as well as a lighting, scenic, and projection designer for dance and theater. Their “go big or go home” attitude, desire to work highly collaboratively, and disinterest in traditional stage performances has led him to establish Extreme Lengths Productions, a non-profit arts collaborative devoted to making technology-driven, movement-based performance. Since 2022, he has worked as the Director of Production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Born with Erbs palsy, Ben is passionate about building community among artists with disabilities.
Nadia Adame, Choreographer & AXIS Artistic Director
“With Kinematic/Kinesthetic, we aim to push the boundaries of movement by blending technology with dance, unlocking new possibilities for both disabled and non-disabled dancers to move, connect, and express themselves in ways we never imagined.” —Nadia Adame
Nadia Adame (she/her) is a Spanish multidisciplinary award-winning artist with a spinal cord injury. She studied Ballet & Flamenco at the Royal Dance Conservatory of Madrid and has a BA in Theatre from the University of Colorado. She was a company member with AXIS (2000-2003) and Candoco Dance Company (2007-2008). In 2004, she co-founded and was the Co-Artistic Director of Compañía Y in Spain, a multimedia and performance collective. Nadia’s credits include dance, theatre, commercial, and independent film projects in the UK, Spain, US, and Canada. As a performer, she has been featured in works by Stephen Petronio, Bill T. Jones, Arthur Pita, Rafael Bonachela, Davis Robertson, Sonya Delwaide, Marc Brew, Chevi Muraday and Asun Noales, among others.