WORDS: MIA MEDAKOVIĆ
INTERVIEW: DR MERRITT MOORE
PHOTOS: ADRIJANA KIKANOVIĆ
DR MERRITT MOORE GRADUATED WITH MAGNA CUM LAUDE HONORS IN PHYSICS FROM HARVARD AND GRADUATED WITH A PHD IN ATOMIC AND LASER PHYSICS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. SHE ALSO PURSUES A PROFESSIONAL BALLET CAREER, PREVIOUSLY WITH THE ZURICH BALLET, BOSTON BALLET, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET, AND NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET. SHE WAS RECENTLY AWARDED FORBES 30 UNDER 30, AND SHE WAS ONE OF THE 12 SELECTED CANDIDATES TO UNDERGO RIGOROUS ASTRONAUT SELECTION ON BBC TWO “ASTRONAUTS: DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?” MERRITT URGES THAT THE ARTS AND SCIENCES SHOULD NOT BE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE, AND HAS BEEN INVITED TO BE THE FEATURED SPEAKER AT THE FORBES WOMEN’S SUMMIT IN NY, PRINCETON PHYSICS DEPARTMENT, PANELIST FOR THE U.S. EMBASSY ‘WOMEN IN STEM’ PANEL IN LONDON, AND IS FEATURED IN THE BESTSELLER “GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS”. INVITED AS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE AT HARVARD ARTLAB, MERRITT IS CREATING A DUET BETWEEN HUMAN DANCER AND INDUSTRIAL ROBOTIC ARM. SHE CONTINUES TO EXPLORES THE FUTURE OF A.I./ MACHINE LEARNING, SPECIFICALLY WITH DANCE, AND WELCOMES ALL FORMS OF COLLABORATION FUSING DANCE, PHYSICS AND TECH.
WHICH HERO IS STRONGER OR MORE VIVID IN YOU, PHYSICIST OR BALLERINA?
I am truly a blend of both. Each discipline fuels and inspires the other. The rigor and curiosity from physics feed into the precision and creativity of ballet, and vice versa. They’re both vivid and essential parts of who I am.
THE NEW ERA GIVES US POSSIBILITIES TO UNITE MORE DISCIPLINES AS YOU HAVE DONE. SCIENCE AND ART. THIS COMBINATION IS YOUR NEW ACHIEVEMENT. HOW DO YOU USE THE BEST FROM THE BOTH SIDE?
I use the discipline and problem-solving skills from science to bring structure and innovation to my art. Meanwhile, the creativity and expression from ballet allow me to think outside the box in physics. This synergy leads to breakthroughs that might not occur in a single-discipline approach.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A “QUANTUM BALLERINA”?
It wasn’t a conscious decision at first; it evolved naturally from my passion for both physics and ballet. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of exploring the unknown, whether it’s in the quantum realm or through artistic expression. The idea of combining these two loves became my identity as a “quantum ballerina.”
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO COMBINE GENERATIVE AI MUSIC COMPOSITION THAT CAN READ YOUR MOVEMENT TO CREATE MUSIC?
There are these amazing technological gloves that use machine learning to create music based on different positions of your hand movements, called MiMu gloves. I’ve also worked with a composer who combine generative AI music with their own composition. I had a chance to watch you perform together with the robot at the World Minds conference in Belgrade. For me that was a chapter in ballet. Thank you so much! The performance was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ballet by integrating technology. It’s exciting to create new narratives and explore the relationship between humans and robots on stage.
I WAS LEFT IN AWE BY YOUR PERFORMANCE. IT WAS TRULY MAGNIFICENT. HOW DOES THE AUDIENCE REACT AROUND THE WORLD?
The audiences around the world have been incredible. This year, I’ve had the privilege of performing in front of 5,000 people in Mexico, Colorado, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and of course, here in Belgrade. The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing awe and fascination. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and classical art seems to resonate deeply, sparking the curiosity and wonder that I always strive to evoke.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHILE PERFORMING AT THE BELGRADE NATIONAL THEATRE?
It was an honor and a thrilling experience. The historic setting combined with the futuristic performance made it a unique and unforgettable moment. I felt a deep connection with the audience and the space, which elevated the performance to a new level.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Passion, perseverance, and curiosity. I’m always striving to learn and grow, whether it’s in science or dance. Staying true to my interests and being fearless when it comes to taking creative risks has also been crucial.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND MOTIVATIONAL PERSON IN THE WORLD AS YOU ARE?
I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by such recognition. It means a lot to know that my work can inspire others to pursue their passions and break down barriers between disciplines. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it motivates me to continue pushing boundaries so others have the hope to do the same.
THE TOPIC OF SEPTEMBER ISSUE IS “WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER”? WOULD YOU BE SO KIND TO REVEAL YOUR?
My superpower is the ability to navigate and merge vastly different worlds—science and art—into a cohesive whole. This allows me to approach problems and opportunities with a unique perspective, always seeking harmony and innovation in the seemingly disparate.
