An Embodied Learning Game Using Kinect and Labanotation for Analysis and Visualization of Dance Kinesiology

Abstract

In this paper, we present an educational framework for analysis and visualization of dance kinesiology based on Labanotation and embodied learning concepts. The low-cost Kinect sensor is employed to extract skeletal data which are then processed and transformed geometrically. In the sequel, they are analyzed based on the Labanotation system to characterize the posture of the human limbs. Two modules have been developed. The first module serves for recording, analyzing and visualizing body movements. The second module is an application in which the user is required to perform with his upper limbs, a sequence of gestures given by the system in the form of Labanotation symbols. Dance notation consists of a set of symbols and rules for recording dance (or movement in general), in a similar way that music notation records music. The fact that Labanotation is recognized as one of the most widely used and accurate notation systems for recording dance highlights the proposed framework's applicability and potential as an educational visualization tool.