I have been busy working on the project, ‘The Invisible Dance’; exploring and developing ideas around creating an audio immersive dance experience. Experimenting with technologies that encompass spatial audio, surround sound and haptics. This project experiments with the concept of taking the visual element of a ‘dance performance’ away, and leaving only the sounds; inviting the listener to imagine a moment of dance shaped by sound. The project further develops my previous research around sensory perception and how people who are blind or partially sighted experience/access dance performance.
I am collaborating with the very talented sound designer Rory Friers on this project, and we have been developing ideas together. I have also been relying on the fantastic technical know-how of Isacc Gibson. They have both been invaluable! I also worked with the lovely dancers Rosie Mullin and Emily McDonagh, who gave all their energy into rehearsing a dance choreographed for its sound qualities, rather than what it looked like!
Together we created a prototype and audience tested this in January in the Crescent Arts Centre (who have been very supportive!). We gathered great feedback through the creative responses. Here is a short video from the day…
Quote from an audience member…
- The experience was felt through my full body. It felt as if reaching out would result in becoming one of the dancers.I really enjoyed the use of proximity and how it felt so intimate yet vast at the same time. At moments it felt like a whirl of dancers orbiting me as an audience.It was interesting to feel the vibrations from the sound in my body as if coming from the floor, up and through with the movement.
Another short video of some of the rehearsal process.
Back in October we had an intense (and long) day recording at the amazing Sonic Lab at SARC, up at Queens University. On this day we were also joined by cellist David McCann , who improvised beautifully. Thanks to everyone for their hard work on the day, especially Isaac, who co-ordinated it all, raced around picking up keys, and clipped floors together; as well as all the usual technical support!
A few moments from the day…
Early on in the project (back in July), I spent a few days with Isaac and Rory in The Crescent Arts Centre, testing a range of equipment. This was a great opportunity to explore ideas that could be developed further. For me, these days were really about exploring the technology and better understanding its potential. This was invaluable, ahead of further exploration of ideas with the dancers. Allowing me to refine what I wanted to work on in the studio with them.
This project, ‘The Invisible Dance,’ has been made possible through support by Immersive Arts funding. The project is part of their ‘Experient’ strand of funding. It has been a great opportunity to be part of the cohort who received this award, and has allowed me to explore so much in relation to technology and Immersive Arts.
I have also received support for this project from local dance company Maiden Voyage Dance.
#ImmersiveArtsUK #ExperimentFund
Helen Hall 