Music, dancing and cutting-edge physics came together in Unst recently as we welcomed two visiting science students from the University of St Andrews for a series of public workshops.

Alina and Luka first approached us in March with the idea of collaborating to bring their unique activities to Shetland audiences. The result was Cosmic Ceilidh – a pair of engaging workshops held in Baltasound and Lerwick that explored the fascinating world of gravitational waves through traditional music and dance.

Following an initial presentation about gravity, spacetime and gravitational waves, participants enjoyed live music from the Unst Music and Dance Band. As the tunes unfolded, the students demonstrated how familiar movements could be used to explain complex scientific concepts, making an abstract subject both accessible and entertaining. The second part of the workshop saw attendees creating their own dance movements inspired by the science they had just discovered, proving that physics and the arts can make an inspiring combination.

There were plenty of memorable moments, with even a light-hearted “pineapple ruler” becoming an effective way to explain challenging ideas. The workshop showed that sophisticated laboratory equipment is not always needed to explore the science behind the world around us.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their time in Shetland.

Luka said: “One of my favourite parts of the workshops was seeing members of the public confidently take on the roles of scientists and choreographers to explore the science through movement and dance. Giving something back to the community that had welcomed us so warmly was really special.”

Alina added: “I was afraid a complex topic like gravitational waves might scare people and prevent them engaging, but the audiences asked thoughtful and even challenging questions. Developing a scientific curiosity together for such complicated and often discounted topics was truly fantastic.”

Building on the success of the public events, similar workshops were delivered for P5, P6 and P7 pupils at Sound Primary School. The sessions are supported by teaching staff and Wild Skies trustee Chris McGinlay, who also teaches physics at Anderson High School.

Wild Skies development officer Sharyn said “This successful collaboration has highlighted how creativity and community can make even the most complex areas of science engaging and accessible, leaving participants of all ages with a fresh appreciation for both physics and dancing.”