The Rhythm of Hailstones is designed to create different and entertaining dance routines. This project uses the “Hailstone Theory,” consisting of two equations, created by Lothar Collatz. If the initial number used in the theory is even, it is divided by 2. If the number is odd, it is multiplied by 3, then 1 is added to the product. The sequence terminates at 1 because of the division that occurs during the “Hailstone Theory”. Mike Keith first applied the “Hailstone Theory” to music using the theory to compose new pieces of music. Team 082 hypothesized that the “Hailstone Theory” could be applied to dance because music and dance are similar. They both go by counts and rhythms.

Many times a choreographer is not given enough time to create a fresh dance routine or develops a type of “writer’s block”, causing large amounts of pressure for the choreographer. Choreographers do not have many technological resources. This project will correct this problem and allow the choreographer a way to create a new dance in a matter of minutes.

The computer program runs through a series of steps to output the final product. Initially, a number between 50 and 100 is entered into the program and is run through the “Hailstone Theory”. The log of each number outputted in the theory’s sequence is taken and then multiplied by the number in the logarithmic equation. The user then opens “Windows Movie Maker” and rearranges the video clips of each eight count in the dance in the order of the sequence the computer program has created.

The team has made 204 dances by using The Rhythm of Hailstones. This gives choreographers a computer program that will build new and exciting dances right away. The team members have used the Rhythm of Hailstones programs, and the project has proven that the programs as developed by the team can be applied to the choreographing of new dances involving unique rhythms.