Interactive dance, the body and the Internet

Abstract

This essay discusses the use and integration of network and communication technology in digital arts practice, particularly in dance. After contextualizing the concept of interactivity, it addresses issues relevant to form, practice, production and presentation in regard to interactive dance, the use of streaming media (telepresence) and network infrastructure. As an example, the author describes the polysite telepresence production of Here I come again/Flying Birdman and related interactive projects with collaborators in Europe and Brazil, in order to reflect on the collaborative cultural politics of online performance.

Keywords:

• interactivity
• digital aesthetics
• telepresence and online performance
• real-time processing
• programme environment
• collaborative multimedia creation