Creating Interactive Dance Performances Integrating Visualization Technologies

Abstract

Technology is becoming increasingly more advanced daily; new generations are constantly breaking out of existing fields and creating new connections to the world around them. Technology has become so integral in everyone’s lives that many could not imagine performing daily tasks without it. It has also produced a lasting impact on how many connect and interact with others. In the current climate, people can reap the benefits of prior technological achievements while continuously experiencing growth in this field. As more is explored into what appears to be endless possibilities, it is essential to keep artistic endeavors relevant in the realm of technology. With the immense potential in the technological field, there are a plethora of opportunities for applying it in performing arts. In many cultures and styles of dance, this art form has always been used as an outlet used to portray stories or various themes through movement. With the implementation of interactive technology, the artist can bring a new level of connection to the audience. This unique combination can also increase the depth of impact by making the performances more accessible and understandable to different groups of people. Dance is already known as a universal language, but this statement will only become more and more accurate with the addition of specific technological improvements. The groundwork of this project consisted of researching within the realm of interactive technology to show how visualization techniques can be incorporated into a dance performance. The students wondered if this could help artists explore creating work that might have a more powerful and lasting effect on an audience. The group chose a topic anyone could relate to–basic human connections and the impact of these relationships–and from there created a unique, artistic exhibition for a live audience. After deciding to utilize Kinect motion sensing software, the students dove into this new choreographic process, figuring out how to implement the unique visual aspects into their movement creation. The group was also presented with the opportunity to use the Exxon Mobil Igloo Dome as a performance space for the project, adding the exciting ability to have full 360-degree coverage of the performance space. These technological additions aided the thematic aspects of the performance, making it more of an all-encompassing experience for the audience.