More than a half-century of history exists between computers and dance. The same techniques used to evaluate and represent data in the scientific realm can also analyze the shapes and the movements of the artistic world. Software developments allow choreographers to create motion outside the studio, capture rehearsal ideas in the form of virtual sketchbooks, and preserve the ephemeral form of dance through digital documentation.
While process varies greatly from choreographer to choreographer, visualization of the work in progress allows them to view and evaluate the movement and the dance. For some, the creation of a new piece is a long and tedious process, with many iterations before reaching completion. Imagine if much of that work could be accomplished without the expense of a large space or prematurely contracted dancers. A visual representation of the dance in its early stages would also be incredibly helpful for grant applications and booking agents, as translating the essence of a physical form with only words is a challenge. How do you describe a dance that’s never been done?
Breathe life into movement ideas with DanceForms2 from Credo Interactive. This software, designed for dance teachers and choreographers, relies on innovative 3D animation techniques to support the visualization and storage of individual steps or entire routines. Users map out dances for assorted single figures or groups that can be played back and potentially translated to real dancers. Individual movements can be broken apart, slowed down, or viewed from multiple angles as a powerful teaching tool. The virtual dancers are not beholden to the physical limitations of the body or even the limits of physics, helping artists imagine atypical possibilities.
“It expands what we think we can do.”
Figure 1: Merce Cunningham Company in Trackers. Source: Johan Elbers, 1991. Choreography developed in part with LifeForms.
Thecla Schiphorst, a software engineer turned dancer, developed the first iteration of this software (LifeForms) in the 1980s. She never intended for it to replace or "rescue" choreographers, only to help generate movement ideas and material. It was seized upon and used heavily by Merce Cunningham throughout his career.
Figure 2: The complete DanceForms interface. Source: Screenshot from charactermotion.com, Author.
Features
Pose the figures first in the 'Studio' window through a newly updated interface then playback on the 'Stage'. The software comes preloaded with several existing movement libraries in both ballet and modern dance vocabulary. Users can mix and match these options to create longer sequences of movement or create their own. All details of motion are tracked in the 'Score' window, annotating the sequence as a string of moves, like musical notes. 'Performance' mode includes music, color, and background texture. This feature allows the choreographer to fully realize the vision of a piece with approximations for costumes and scenic design.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
-Includes training material: DanceForms User Manual and Practical Guide (tutorial-based -learning with step-by-step exercises)
-Saves time with pre-existing movement libraries
-Includes new body model options
-Offered for free thanks to a partnership with a performer's perspective
Cons:
-Assumes a base understanding of dance terminology and aesthetics
-Requires some knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanical principles
-Cost range before partnership:
$89 - student solo version to $1,999 - 100 seat ensemble license
Although created for practitioners in the dance community, DanceForms2 does not need to serve a dance specific purpose. 3D visuals for any form of human movement are achievable: exercise, gesture, or pedestrian motion. Users will learn basic animation principles applicable to a variety of contexts.
Not every movement artist will feel comfortable creating with a computer. But there is definitely value in the long-term preservation possibilities and the teaching potential of a tool like DanceForms2. It fills many of the holes left by traditional dance notation, and even film.
Requirements
Macintosh® Minimum Requirements:
-Mac OS 10.5 and up for DanceForms2.1
-Mac OS up to 10.6 (NOT 10.7) for DanceForms2.0
-QuickTime® 4
-Memory (RAM): 64 Megabytes
-Processor: Intel for DanceForms2.1
-Processor: Power PC® (150 Mhz) or Intel for DanceForms2.0
-Hardware: CD ROM drive
-Hard Drive: 15 Megabytes free
-Monitor: thousands of colors, 1024x768 resolution or better
Windows® Minimum Requirements:
-Windows® 98, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7
-QuickTime® 4
-Memory (RAM): 64 Megabytes
-Processor: Pentium (200Mhz)
-Hardware: CD ROM drive
-Hard Drive: 15 Megabytes free
-Monitor: thousands of colors, 1024x768 resolution or better
-SVGA PCI or AGP card
Resources
Credo Interactive Inc. Accessed October 10, 2019.http://charactermotion.com/products/danceforms/.
Elbers, Johan. Merce Cunningham Dance Company in Trackers. 1991. Merce Cunningham Trust, New York. Accessed October 12, 2019. https://www.mercecunningham.org/about/the-trust/.
“Feature: Merce Cunningham and Lifeforms.” LondonDance, April 18, 2008. http://londondance.com/articles/features/merce-cunningham-and-lifeforms/.
Schibsted, Evantheia. "Lifeform." Wired, June 4, 2017. https://www.wired.com/1996/10/schiphorst-2/.
The Guide to DanceForms. Accessed October 13, 2019. http://www.cedardanceanimations.com/Cedar_Dance_Animations/The_Guide_to_DanceForms. Html.