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Ìý: NOVA

Community performance combines live music, tango and hands-on demonstrations to make quantum science accessible to audiences of all ages

What do quantum physics, tango dancing and live music have in common? More than you might think.

On November 14, CU Science Discovery invites you to explore the world of quantum science through Emergence: Exploring Quantum Technology Through Music and Dance, a multimedia performance that brings together scientists, musicians and dancers to make this complex scientific concept more accessible.

Quantum science explores how matter and energy behave at incredibly small scales, where familiar rules don't always apply. Although these concepts can be challenging to understand, quantum research is already driving innovations with the potential to transform healthcare, computing, communications and more.

Â鶹´«Ã½ researchers are among those advancing this rapidly developing field, thanks to several major investments from the .

In 2024, the university received a $20M award to develop the National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) facility, to enable researchers to design and build new technologies at incredibly small scales. Earlier this year, the NSF announced an additional $37.5M investment to advance quantum research led by Â鶹´«Ã½ and its partners. The funding will support work on technologies ranging from extraordinarily precise atomic clocks to highly sensitive sensors that could one day detect signs of disease in a person's breath.

These awards build on Â鶹´«Ã½'s long history of quantum research, including work at JILA, a joint institute of Â鶹´«Ã½ and the .

While much of this research takes place quietly in specialized laboratories, Emergence gives community members a chance to explore quantum concepts in a very different setting – no physics background required!

The performance features Â鶹´«Ã½ College of Music Associate Professor of Double Bass, Susan Cahill, and her band, , and NIST quantum physicist and tango dancer, . Together, the performers will use music, dance and live demonstrations to help the audience visualize key concepts in quantum science.

This free community event takes place Saturday, November 14, at Boulder Public Library's Canyon Theater. Hands-on quantum activities and demonstrations, provided by CU Science Discovery and begin at 6pm, followed by the performance at 7pm.