Introduction to AI powered digital dance creation

with Sarah Hin Ching U

Dance Arts Institute is excited to introduce Sarah Hin Ching U as the first Artist Researcher-in-Residence of the 2023-2024 Research Residency series.

Sarah Hin Ching U is interested in the integration of new media tools in performance making. She is specifically interested in how the glorification of overstimulation and overconsumption can change human bodies and how artificial intelligence (AI) creative tools can inform the choreographic process of creating it.

Drawing directly from past experience in creating digital work, the research residency offers workshop participants a gateway to new media tools that are less commonly seen in a studio-based practice. Sarah examines machine learning strategies and techniques, and will guide and observe how participants collaborate with AI tools in the creative process, exploring new possibilities and interpretations.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to Runway*, an AI-powered online video editing tool. Designed specifically for dance artists who are curious in digital dance creations, this workshop offers participants a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial on Runway which will include the basics of green screen and motion tracking. Sarah will share strategies on how to train the software to comprehend and interpret movement pathways through keyframing, as well as how to optimize software response to movement through choreography, videography, and other editing techniques. Workshop participants will have time to explore the software and the opportunity to share and take home work examples.

*Runway is a free, web-based software and requires no application download.

REQUIREMENTS

Please note that participants must bring their own laptop (for the software) and phone (for filming) to participate in this workshop. In order for the software to detect movement, participants must wear bright colours which contrast against the white studio walls. Please do not wear dark or black clothing as it absorbs light and is not ideal for the software to detect movement. Remote participants must have access to a clear blank wall as a background to record in front of and either a helper to film them or a tripod/chair to prop up their recording device.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

SARAH HIN CHING U 余衍晴

Sarah Hin Ching U 余衍晴 (she/her) is a Chinese-Canadian dance artist/choreographer, trained and influenced by a multitude of styles including Latin Ballroom, contemporary, ballet and hip-hop. She creates and collaborates with new media tools including AI editing, machine learning processes, real-time animation, mixed-reality application, and she gravitates towards stories in human desire, identity, relationship. Her main intentions in her practice are to investigate the integration of new media tools in performance-making and pushing the boundaries of choreography beyond physical movement.

Photo credits: Images courtesy of Sarah U