Adaptive/responsive movement approach: dance making as interactive system design

Abstract

The Adaptive/Responsive Movement Approach (A/RMA) is a generative tool for interdisciplinary, new media, and movement artists. The activities outlined provide a shared lexicon and perspective for artists of diverse backgrounds, while prompting development of aesthetic material. This approach draws from system theory, computational programming protocols, and directed improvisation techniques. Workshops introduce linear logic, experiment with single trigger operations, and build complex systems including layered rule sets. The A/RMA is especially useful in developing choreography with viewers as participants. Key concepts addressed include proximity, duration, threshold, and legibility. This method responds against the predominating Judson Dance Theater methodologies of movement development. Early stage workshops offer positive results and identify areas for future research.