Using new media technologies in dance improvisation classes

Every creation system has its technologies, which consist of methods, techniques and tools. The same holds true for Dance Improvisation. When choreographer William Forsythe presented his CD-Rom “Improvisation Technologies” to the public in 1997, a shift in paradigms became apparent: instead of focusing on the material aspects of technology (hardware and software), he emphasised the conceptual plane. The use of the term “technology” in combination with “improvisation” may sound provocative for those who see the arts and science as opposite and incompatible areas of human endeavour. But for others this combination expresses an interesting conceptual and collaborative approach to creation. In my own work as a choreographer and as a teacher, New Media technologies offer powerful and stimulating tools for rehearsal, creation and performance processes. Beyond the utilitarian value of these technologies I have been very inspired by the conceptual work that led to their development. In this article I will re ect upon technologies for Dance Improvisation, and present the Dance Lab as a format to experiment both with the material and conceptual aspects of technologies