Neon Dance

The "Cyber Dance" project aims to merge virtual reality (VR) and dance to create an immersive and interactive dance experience. This innovative project utilizes motion capture, 3D animation, and VR technologies to transcend traditional dance performance boundaries and engage audiences in a novel way.

This project enhances viewer interaction by making them part of the virtual performance, broadening creative possibilities for choreographers, and increasing accessibility to dance through remote VR experiences. It symbolizes the fusion of technology and human creativity, pushing artistic expression to new heights and inviting audiences to explore dance in a futuristic virtual setting.

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The production began with a brainstorming session where the group decided to create a VR dance performance featuring three thematic scenes. Each scene was designed with a distinct aesthetic, with the final scene themed around a "Neon Cyber" concept. This scene was chosen to embody the futuristic and digital essence of the project.

Dance movements were recorded using advanced motion capture technology, capturing the detailed movements of the dancers for accurate digital representation. Using Maya, the dancers were transformed into 3D models, which were then animated to reflect the captured movements. The virtual environments, particularly the neon-lit cyber scene, were created in Unity, emphasizing immersive and thematic elements. The components were integrated into a VR platform, tested, and refined to ensure a smooth and engaging experience. Final adjustments focused on enhancing visual and auditory elements, optimizing the interactive VR experience for audience immersion.

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• The initial attempts using AI motion capture from video footage resulted in stiff and unnatural movements. Adjustments had to be made to refine the capture of human motion and reduce unnatural joint twists.
• ome movements of the character’s hands were not captured accurately, and there were instances where movements passed unrealistically through the models, highlighting the need for further technical refinement.
• Working with team members from different backgrounds necessitated enhanced communication and coordination, ensuring that all artistic and technical contributions aligned seamlessly with the project’s vision.

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Shihui Doris He - Virtual Environment Buildup

Shihui Doris He - Motion Capture

Shihui Doris He - 3D modeling and animation

Joey Zhang - Dancer

Grace Guo - Dancer

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