Dance-IT

Interacting with visitors in real time through the Active Space intermedia performance system, Dance-IT creates visuals and sound sequences in response to movement, thus influencing how people move. Entering an opened-sided kiosk, visitors can dance along with expert performers by touching a screen to interact with with Afro-Cuban, Japanese, Kathak, Mexican Folkloric, Tahitian, West African, modern, ballet and hip-hop styles. The system enables participants to record their dances, which become a permanent part of the exhibit as their performance is replayed on nearby screens in a continous montage. Visitors can watch previous performances for inspiration before taking their own turns. People tend to jump right in, lose their inhibitions and get active with the system. They become captivated by the videos and love the opportunity to dance along. Some people imitate the on-screen performers, while others improvise their own spontaneous responses to the music. The intention is to help people connect with dance by becoming active participants. Children and adults alike can experience a variety of dance styles while learning about different cultures from around the world.

John Crawford was commissioned by San Francisco Ballet to design and implement the media and interactive software for the installation. Presented in 2008 at the San Francisco Public Library, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and UC Irvine’s Calit2, Dance-IT attracted enthusiastic audiences of all ages, including long-time dance lovers and neophytes alike.

The dance content, structure and interface design were developed in collaboration with San Francisco Ballet staff.