Projects
Moving Pictures: Exploring ways of combining dance, animation, and VR
Moving Pictures: Exploring ways of combining dance, animation, and VR
Moving Pictures focuses on exploring how dance, animation, and VR can be combined using motion capture and interactive technologies.
Initial development centred on experimenting with translating live movement into digital formats and testing ideas for responsive virtual dance partners. This project explores new ways of combining dance, animation, and virtual reality. Through experimentation with motion capture and interactive technologies, it will support both creative exploration and technical development. The work focuses on how live movement can be translated into digital environments and how these environments can expand choreographic practice.
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£5,000
Aims of the project
A central aim is the creation of virtual dance partners animated figures that respond to a live performer through VR. These digital counterparts will allow us to test new approaches to choreography, collaboration, and audience engagement, bridging theatre and digital spaces.
The project will also explore social and cultural dance forms, past and present, and consider how they might be reimagined in digital contexts. By bringing together dance and animation, the work aims to open new possibilities for immersive performance and connection between physical and virtual bodies.
Meet Next Door Dance
Laura Savage-Weeden
Co-creative Director & Producer
she/her
Laura Savage-Weeden is a performer, producer and facilitator based in Nottingham. Her work sits at the intersection of dance, community arts and collaborative project making. With a focus on supporting inclusive, people-centred creative processes working with various organisations across the city.
Laura has over 15 years experience working across performance, festivals and community engagement projects. She is co-creative director of Next Door Dance, a self-producing dance theatre company based in Nottingham.
Emily Minnett
Co-Creative Director & Project Manager
she/her
Emily Minnett is a choreographer, teacher, producer, and event manager working across Nottingham and the East Midlands with 12+ years in the dance sector. As a Cultural Education Manager, she connects schools to arts and culture, while as Co-Director of Next Door Dance, she leads community-led projects that place participant voice and collaboration at the heart of creativity. Emily is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can explore and thrive through dance.
Georgina Saunders-Fazzani
Co-Creative Director & Dancer
she/her
Georgina is a freelance dance artist based in Nottingham who has worked across performance, education, and community dance in the East Midlands since graduating in 2010. She currently teaches with the Inspire Youth Arts team at Nottinghamshire County Council and the Royal Ballet School’s Primary Steps programme, while also supporting students at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama and delivering contemporary dance in the private sector.
