Flocking the Moon is a Moon & Earth collaborative performance where astronauts and performance artists move together in unison through space like a flock of birds. There is no choreography only real-time synchronisation.
Flocking the Moon was enacted for the first time during the analog mission EMMPOL V at Analog Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. Audiences were invited to watch the collaboration via YouTube live stream and then join the performance on Zoom for the finale.
It took place on Thursday 13th May 2021 6pm CEST Lunar Time: 54-05-26 ∇ 09:45:22
Flocking the Moon was created in collaboration with Movement Director Zoe Cobb who has worked with this technique to improve and develop spatial awareness, intuition, non verbal communication skills, empathy and cohesion for professionals attending leadership programs all over the world. This collaboration took place with trainee astronauts at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre In Poland and movement performers from across Europe.
Analog Astronauts: Commander: Aoife van Linden Tol, Co Commander: Eline Radstake, Communication Officer: Silvana Miranda, Data Officer: Manuela Raimbault, Medical Officer: Jonas Callant, Engineer: Ot Van Eysendeyk Performers: Zoë Cobb, Stephanie Kelly, Francesco De Gennaro.
Flocking the Moon project was realised for several purposes. - Physical and mental wellbeing of the crew. Through movement we release stress and can focus better. - Moving together creates a sense of entrainment that releases endorphins and creates a powerful sense of connection. This is very important for astronauts in isolation. - The training process and activities of this exercise help to accelerate social intimacy, trust and openness between crew members. - The project allows interactive outreach where the public can join in and dance with the astronauts! - The analog setting acted as an experiment for a real performance.