Source: Siegel, W. and Jacobsen, J., 1998. „The challenges of interactive dance: An overview and case study“. Computer Music Journal, Winter 1998, 22. Jg., Nr. 4, S. 29-43.
Summary: The article centres around an interactive dance performance trying to combine the medium of dance and that of music. Goal was to create a system capable of letting the dancer take an active (live) roll in the composition of the musical connotation, which then later succeeded. This was done by designing a sensor-fit, consisting out of eight stretch sensors attached to the dancers’ main body joints. Hindrance were various factors starting at the choice of the right Hardware and software and their implementation and lastly ending in the needed modification of the actual performance.
The article can be separated into four main parts. First being the definition of interaction and what was tried to be established by the project participants. The second part, which is the creation of the later final product. Here in particular the at the time available hardware and software and its choice in use. This proved rather difficult, for the current options had to fulfil a dozen and one requirements stretching from cost to comfort and robustness, which already on their own seem hard to combine. This part lastly finds closure with the actual composition of the performance and what had to be considered for the wanted result. The third part is the performance itself, being subsect able into four parts and the final use of the sensors and developed software. This section brings forth the entire complexity of the project since whilst not regarding the knowledge in one’s own expertize, but the combination of the different divisions such as scientists, dancers, composers and choreographers it proved difficult. The fourth and last part of the article covers the evaluation and resulting conclusion.
Relevance: Yes, the article is from 1998 and with that historic in the field but it shows the approach and realization of such a project to such an extent, one cannot deny its value when one self is trying to approach such a project. It clearly shows the entire approach, making and faced difficulties with their solution.
Since our project most defiantly will find similarities to the one presented in the text, it is a great insight for us in an already professionally finished project and to what can be achieved.