Steps Untold
2024-06-14
As midsummer approaches, it's time to dance in the sun (or at least between the raindrops). Dance is difficult to describe. The form, the passion, the artistic interpretation, the fine details. For centuries, steps have been forgotten.
Many dance forms, especially folk and indigenous dances, were passed down orally and through demonstration. Elders and dance masters would teach younger generations, ensuring the continuity of the dance styles and their cultural significance. But it's not impossible that things altered over time. Irish step dancing has two very different traditional styles; hardshoe, think Riverdance, and softshoe which is very close to tap. Tap itself is a blend. Things change (sometimes for good), if not recorded properly.
Things can be passed on imperfectly. If the master dancer has an injury, then their steps may be altered but to pain or difficulty. And these adjustments are passed on.
Memory is imperfect, or misinterpreted. Even if recorded accurately, the interpretation is in the eye of the reader. Italian dance master Thoinot Arbeau wrote his "Orchésographie", published in 1589, is one of the earliest sources of dance notation and offers detailed descriptions of various dances, their steps, and the accompanying rhythms. Not only does it describe the social ballroom dances but also provides information on the music, instruments, and the cultural context of the dances. But it's possible to misread these dance manuals. The option of two choreographers can disagree, and who can say which interpretation is more accurate.
Video gives a more accurate picture. But even then, angles and costume can obscure moves. No matter how viral the Tic-Tok dance is, it's going to change subtly from the original.
So we come to Motion Capture. 3D motion capture systems have significantly transformed the way dance is recorded, analysed, and disseminated. 3D motion capture systems can capture even the most subtle movements with incredible precision. This accuracy ensures that every aspect of a dancer's performance, from the tiniest wrist flick to the most complex jump, is faithfully recorded. If the capture method allows.
If a sensor or marker can fall off a patient stumbling due to an ankle injury, you can be certain that a form fitting suit or marker will restrict or fall during a very intense tango. Yes, we will sing the praises of marker-less motion capture systems such as Captury.
The systems also permit the recording and animation of the dangerous to perform moves. Visual Effects in dance sound ridiculous, but I've seen dances that require a padded floor to prevent injury. Or the unique dance moves of those with a hypermobile disorder. Trust me, a wheelchair rugby player can pull some unique moves.
So record those moves in the most accurate way possible. Celebrate the diversity on the dancefloor, and beyond. With technology like motion capture, we have even more tools to document and study dance, but the historical methods laid the crucial groundwork for our understanding and appreciation of this dynamic art form.
