The Lanna XR dance heritage: Exploring XR for the digitization and transmission of intangible culture

Abstract

The preservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), particularly traditional dance, faces challenges due to globalization and declining practitioner communities. This study presents the Lanna XR Dance Heritage Project, utilizing Extended Reality (XR) technologies including Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and web-based visualization for the digitization and transmission of Lanna Dance, a traditional Northern Thai art form. Through motion capture, the project integrates full-body tracking, smart gloves for hand articulation, and facial expression recognition to ensure cultural fidelity. Twenty-four Lanna Dance forms are categorized into Equipment-Dancing, Without-Equipment Dancing, and Lanna Royal Dancing. Usability and engagement were evaluated with 90 university students across three XR platforms using the System Usability Scale and User Engagement Scale. Findings highlight XR's role in preserving Lanna Dance, offering immersive and interactive experiences that ensure accessibility and cultural sustainability for future generations.