Dance

Handicap

Technology

Jitka Semotamová

Abstract:

- Overview of contemporary dance groups with handicap in Czech Republic

- Presentation of project "Tanec a Handicap"

- Comparison of domestic production in European context

- Why and how can technology be used on the stage?

- Presentation of project Catch (Madeira 2012) - the use of Microsoft Kinect as a methodical tool in dance classes

Contemporary dance with disability in CZ

- since 2001 in Brno – Cyranovy Boty

- still associated with solidarity and regret, not with artistic expression

Disadvantage:

Advantage:

Small country – easy communication between regions – development at a similar level

It´s new but at a high level

CZ: 6 dance groups

Brno: Cyrnovy boty (2001) www.cyranovyboty.cz

Ostrava : Dance group of Filip Skála (2003) Bílá holubice (2006) www.bilaholubice.cz

Praha: Freedom4 (2007) Vertedance (2012) www.vertedance.com

Jilemnice: PATZ and T.I.K. Jilemnice (2008)

Most common disability : cerebral palsy (quadriplegic)

Other: blind, paralysis after injury, amputation, mental handicap

Festival Dance and handicap (CZ)www.tanecahandicap.cz

- since 2010 every two years in Brno

Idea - cooperation on one choreography by participating groups - exposition of photography from festival in Czech republic - presentation of individual work

Advantage: unique project, dance groups participate in the organization, comparison of quality, reciprocal learning, motivation to improve…

Disadvantage: hard to find wheelchair accessible and affordable theater in other regions, funds for reprises in other regions

Nick - Semikization

Dance with disabilities in EU

- development depends on the interest in the region: in some long tradition up to 20 years (Axis, Candoco, AAAIDD) in others beginning ,- in general: more interested => higher funding => possibility of professionalization

- most popular groups often work only with light handicap

- More dance groups with mental handicap – Down syndrome

Groups:

Festivals: - many more (for example region Rhône Alpes FR vs. CZ => 5:1)

- accessible theatres in all aspects

Comparison EU vs. CZ CZ has great potential, but is limited by insufficient funds and interest.

- work with others types of handicap: autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, behavioral disorder etc.

Dance, handicap and technology

- natural combination- every handicap has different diagnostic => different work => different technology

Use of technology in the choreography

Rehabilitation - development of abilities

visual element - educations aids (wheelchairs, crutches, holders, robots ...)                        - projection (film, Interactive animations, graphic effects)

Technology as motivation: - independence - effort to develop movement ranges - not being afraid to try new things - involvement of paralyzed limbs - to coordinate the movement – development of accuracy - way to mediate a choreography to blind people (movement, sound. sensors)

Effect, affordability and benefit ???

Exoskeleton

£100.000

Effect, affordability and benefit ???

Robotic suit

£1,370 per month

Effect, affordability and benefit ???

EyeWriter

Effect , affordability and benefit ???

Robot- educational material for people with autism - expression of emotions

Effect , affordability and benefit ???

The MotionComposer (DE)

Surface editor and wireless physiological sensors by Alaine Crevoisier and Linga (CH)

Effect, affordability and benefit ???

visualization

Catch in Madeira the use of Microsoft Kinect as a methodical tool in dance classes

CATCH – coordination of associations: Ciant (CZ), M2F (FR), CPAI (P)

Residence in Madeira: Jitka Semotamová, Tomáš Mach AAAIDD www.aaaidd.com

We have used two features of Kinect:

- The depth image - we can distinguish objects in front of camera according to their distances from Kinect.

- Physical recognition system - Skeleton:- recognition of silhouette / human skeleton. - Kinect detects position of body joints in 3D.

We have created principles of two methodics for disabled dancers.

José

Methodic I.

Kinect feature used: SkeletonDedicated to: blind dancer

Thanks to skeleton we can determine the position of a dancer on the stage (standing at the side, in the back, etc.).

We have also created a system which plays sounds according to the orientation of the dancer.

This system helps the blind dancer with orientation in space and also provides a sound information about another dancer.

The methodic is at the beginning. Future development is needed.

Bárbara

Methodic II.

Feature used: The depth imageDedicated to: Down syndrome, etc.We have used the depth image to control an interactive projection. A computer program can detect movements of dancers in defined parts of the scene. Movements trigger a projection of video / animation.

The use of interactive animations, which supports the development of physical motor skills, is appropriate for dancers with disorders of perception and attention. For example: Down syndrome, autistic, children with hyperactivity ADHD, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.

Attention of dancers is attracted to a movement on the projection, which is triggered only by proper executed body movements. The disabled dancer is led to exact body movements without paying attention to them. This is very effective method to develop physical potential of disabled dancers.

Methodic II.

We have started with creation of an animation aimed at developing basic dance motion characteristics: Imagination of force.

We have also employed a principle of collaboration in animation called Labyrinth.

Contact:j.semotamova@gmail.com