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A synthesis of vibrant sculpture, gravity-defying dance, and riveting music, the breathtaking Noli Timere is a collision of art forms like no other.

Students of , William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor, were given the unique opportunity to experience this living work of art through an immersive masterclass held in the Glenn Close Theatre Oct. 2.

It was the latest in an ongoing Arts Masterclass series sponsored by the Charles Center in conjunction with .

Noli Timere is the product of a five-year collaboration between acclaimed sculptor Janet Echelman and award-winning director and choreographer Rebecca Lazier.

Latin for “be not afraid,” the performance represents the symbolic interactions between movement and sculpture and brings to life the rippling impacts that individual human actions can have in a delicate global ecosystem.

“When I was a student, I deeply valued getting a glimpse on the inside of something, questioning what the process is and the methodologies behind it,” said Lazier. “These workshops are a way to unpack a little bit of mystery and let people engage in the process of discovery. It is a real, beautiful moment for us and for participants.”

The masterclass began with an exercise encouraging students to connect their minds and bodies by centering themselves on the stage’s stable ground.

Next, students were invited to engage with the sculpture, first by exploring the tension from underneath its two netted surfaces and then by moving directly across the lower net suspended several feet above the stage.

Lazier explained how the sculpture is transformed by a system of ropes and pulleys used to raise and lower the four corners during the performance. In addition, each twine incorporates three different colors, changing the color spectrum perceived by audiences depending on the lighting.

“In the process of developing this work, it was important to us to be able to change the shape of the environment, so that it would move and evolve rather than being a fixed, set piece,” she said.

To end the session, students had the chance to practice a swinging motion on the colorful mesh-like sculpture, moving in harmony with the participant on the opposite corner of the net.

Lazier reflected on the profound impact she witnessed over the course of the session. “It was true experiential learning,” she said. “I saw these moments of when fear transformed into joy and surprise.”

One participant was geology major and dance minor Kaila Bertha ’26, who came to the masterclass in hopes of learning more about how sculpture and movement could be combined in new ways.

“I heard about this and thought, ‘I have never seen this before, this looks really cool,’ and it truly was,” said Bertha.

Chemistry major Julia Cheng ’27 also explained how she forged valuable connections from this workshop.

“I think it was really interesting as dancers to relate this to what we talk about in class,” said Cheng, “And it was even more interesting to get to talk with the artists and choreographer as I was reflecting about a lot of things.”

Choreographed to an original musical score composed by French-Canadian singer and cellist Jorane, Noli Timere is a one-of-a-kind experience. During performances, much of Jorane’s music is improvised to accompany the dancers’ movements in the moment.

According to Madi Ward, one of eight dancers in the piece, it is a deeply sincere production to be a part of.

“The best way to describe this performance is honest. Every time you get on the net, you have to be aware of not just how you affect the sculpture, which is like our ninth dancer, but also how you affect every single person, how you affect the view. It is honest, truthful, and authentic,” she said.

While Ward is trained in circus artistry, she says that Noli Timere is an experience that embraces people of all walks of life.

“The nets are equalizers,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what background you come from. Once you get on the net, it’s like everyone’s on an equal playing field.”