Dance-inspired technology, technology-inspired dance

Abstract

The design of interactive dance is a challenging endeavor because both dance and computing are in themselves full of complexity, thus to create a cohesive union of the two involves much trial and error and a mutual disciplinary understanding. Since interactive dance is a performing art, technologists working as designers must consider how all of the parts -- choreography, media, interactivity -- are integrated to inform the overall gestalt and intent of the piece. To this end, we offer five design principles for making interactive dance: Connected Kinetics, Augmented Expression, Aesthetic Harmony, Interactive Build, and Integrated Process. These design principles have emerged from our practice-based research in collaboratively producing six different interactive dance pieces over the past four years.