Dance and Digital Media Performance with Telepresence and Telematic Methods

Abstract

In this paper we discuss a series of dance and media performance works spanning almost 20 years through which we have explored concepts of telepresence and telematic art. We trace the origins of these terms: telematic referring to collaborative, multi-site art projects utilizing computer and telecommunications technologies; and telepresence referring to the feeling of being physically present within the distributed computer-mediated environment. Our projects use the Active Space networked media system, a collection of media objects for creating interactive performance environments based on motion tracking technology. Cameras capture the movement of the performer, the system processes the moving image through feedback loops and related methods, and projections merge video layers between multiple sites. The nine works described here include an early integrating dance, music and drama over dial-up computer links; several dance/media Naugle, Lisa and Crawford, John. Dance and Digital Media Performance with  projects using the high-performance research computer networks of the Internet2 consortium; and a new multi-year program of research into innovative forms of distance collaboration combining dance with advanced digital media technologies. Telepresence in the performing arts is simultaneously situated and defined within multiple realms, physical, digital, and phenomenological. Our work endeavors to make connections between these realms, and among the participants, using progressive composing techniques that integrate synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences with a focus on improvisation.