[spectre] [RADICAL] use of biotechnology to integrate networked bodies and interactive dance

[Marco Donnarumma]

(sorry for any x-post)

Rensselaer Arts PHD Candidate, Heidi Boisvert, premieres performance at
EMPAC that cultivates an expressive virtual world populated by corporeal
sounds and generative imagery from dancers' bodies.

TROY, NY - April 8th, 2013 - The Arts Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute announces the premiere of a  mechanomyogram (MMG) multi-media
production, "[radical] signs of life," on May 3rd at 4:00 pm and May 4th at
7:30 pm in Studio 2 at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center
(EMPAC). Through responsive dance, "[radical] signs of life" externalizes
the mind’s non-hierarchical distribution of thought. Music is generated
from the dancers‘ muscles and blood flow via biophysical sensors that
capture sound waves from the performers’ bodies. This data triggers complex
neural patterns to be projected onto multiple screens as 3D imagery. As the
audience interacts with the images produced, they enter into a dialogue
with the dancers.

A backstage pictures gallery can be seen at the bottom website link.

The performance makes use of biophysical technology to integrate networked
bodies and interactive dance. It was conceived and directed by new media
artist and game designer Heidi Boisvert in collaboration with an
international team of artists, including Pauline Jennings (Choreographer),
Doug Van Nort (Sound Designer), Allen Hahn (Set & Lighting Designer), Raven
Kwok (Visual Designer), Amy Nielson (Costume Designer) and Marco Donnarumma
(Sensor Designer & Developer). The project features the Xth Sense (XS), a
biophysical sensor that detects and captures mechanical sound waves
produced at the onset of musculature contraction. For "[radical] signs of
life," a wireless network and stand alone armband was custom developed for
the XS by engineer MJ Caselden, and industrial designer, Krystal Pernaud.

The choreography for the hour-long performance will be composed in
real-time by five dancers from a shared movement database in accordance
with pre-determined rules. Outfitted with two wireless sensors each, the
dancers--Jennifer Mellor, Ellen Smith Ahern, Hanna Satterlee, Avi Waring
and Willow Wonder--will create patterns that dissolve from autonomous
polyrhythms to intersecting lines as they slip through generative video and
light.

"[radical] signs of life" was produced, in part, at Harvestworks with funds
from the Rockefeller Foundation’s New York City Cultural Innovation Fund
and the National Endowment for the Arts. The work was made possible through
generous support from the Rensselaer Arts Department along with iEAR
Studios, and EMPAC staff. Rehearsal space was granted by an Artistic
Residency at the Contemporary Dance and Fitness Center in Montpelier,
Vermont.

Limited Seating. Reservations recommended. To make reservations, please
contact the EMPAC Box Office at 518.276.3921.

Media Contact:
Heidi Boisvert, heidijboisvert at gmail.com, +.1.917.536.2792
Full press package available upon request.
Or visit our project site: www.radicalsignsoflife.tumblr.com.

--
Marco Donnarumma
New Media + Sonic Arts Practitioner, Performer, Teacher, Director.
Embodied Audio-Visual Interaction Research Team.
Department of Computing, Goldsmiths University of London
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Portfolio: http://marcodonnarumma.com
Research: http://res.marcodonnarumma.com
Director: http://www.liveperformersmeeting.net
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