Special Assignment: Dr. Celine Latulipe

Reference Information
Title: Exploring the Design Space in Technology-Augmented Dance
Authors: Celine Latulipe, David Wilson, Sybil Huskey, Melissa Word, Arthur Carroll, Erin Carroll, Berto Gonzalez, Vikash Singh, Mike Wirth, Danielle Lottridge
When/Where: CHI 2010, Atlanta, Georgia

Summary
This article described the current efforts of the Dance.Draw project, which integrates dance motions with interactive visualizations in an attempt to better engage the audience. The idea is to blend dance performance with modern technologies, which could present some interesting interactions not previously associated with stage performances. Not only is this for performance reasons, but research is occurring to see how technology can influence the field of dance..

Dance.Draw began as experimenting with dancers holding mice while performing, with the mice controlling points in the projected imagery incorporated into the choreography. Various methods of this were used, including passing the mice between people to keep the audience engaged. The current system uses 3D sensing, with both accelerometers and mice attached to dancer's costumes. Productions have been put on using the various forms of Dance.Draw, and gauging audience reaction as a form of user study.

An example of Dance.Draw in action, with the interactive graphic displayed in the background.
Source: greatdance.com

Discussion
Incorporating such technology into dancing does seem like an interesting mix, and the ability to use technology to better engage the audience may draw more people to dance performances. While this research could be useful for the performing arts, I am unsure of what other fields this technology could be put to use in. There are probably many other computer scientists that think the same way, and this is could be limiting the potential of the research that is being used for Dance.Draw.