Pathways to live visuals in dance performances: a quantitative audience study

INTRODUCTION: We present an audience study investigating the impact of different technologies to create visuals in dance performances. OBJECTIVES: We investigated four conditions: motion capture, sensors, camera image, and minimal interaction; and four variables: how much did the audience perceive a connection between the body and the visuals; the visuals as merely copying the dancer; how much distracting were the visuals; and how much did the audience enjoy the visuals. METHODS: We used a questionnaire to collect data. We analyzed it using Friedman’s test, and Spearman’s correlation test. RESULTS: The audience perceived a stronger connection in the camera condition, but in the same condition, visuals tend to be merely copying the dancer. We also suggest that the perceived connection has a positive correlation with enjoyment, while distraction has a negative correlation. CONCLUSION: Our results help to highlight the impact that different technology have on live visuals for dance