When Boston Dynamics, an engineering and robotics design company went viral for successfully creating the now famous Atlas dancing robots video, it caught more than a few people in the world of dance by storm. Would our jobs be threatened by robots too now? Enter the fascinating world of Choreorobotics, a field that explores the convergence of dance choreography and robotics technology.

At the forefront of this interdisciplinary domain is Dr. Kate Sicchio, a choreographer, media artist, performer and Assistant Professor in Dance and Media Technology at Virginia Commonwealth University, whose groundbreaking work has garnered international acclaim. Dr. Sicchio's pioneering research delves into the creative possibilities of integrating technology into dance performance, pushing the boundaries of what is possible when humans and machines collaborate on stage. Sicchio's contributions to the field of dance and technology have earned her recognition as a leading figure in the emerging field of "digital dance" or "dance and technology.''

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Technology, this episode investigates Choreorobotics, dancers’ attitudes towards technology and what the future holds for aspiring tech enthusiasts in the world of arts and culture. Ready to discover the roboticist within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Kate Sicchio
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Origins of Choreorobotics
• Atlas dancing robots
• Dancing with Robots
• Inverse magazine

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Whipped-cream - WatR
4. Ambient Technology - Mapa Music
   
   

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SaaS, also known as software as a a service or web-based software, operates on a subscription basis, providing users with centrally hosted solutions accessible anytime, anywhere. This model has transformed countless industries, including entertainment, communication, and, most notably, education. As dance studios and activity centers worldwide sought efficient management solutions, Jackrabbit Technologies emerged as a pioneer in cloud-based class management software.

Under CEO and co-founder Mark Mahoney's leadership, Jackrabbit Technologies has grown into a multi-million dollar company serving over 5 million students across more than 15,000 locations in 36 countries. Mahoney's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation have earned him numerous accolades, including the NC Tech Exec of the Year, the Michael J. Bryan Award for entrepreneurial excellence, and recognition as a Charlotte area Top 50 Entrepreneur and Most Admired CEO.

Kickstarting a brand new season and month of Dance Technology, this episode explores one of dance technology’s greatest successes in modern times, the impact of SaaS on the performing arts, as well as what the future holds for Mark and his thriving team of pioneers. Ready to discover the tech geek within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Jackrabbit Technologies
• Mark Mahoney
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Best studio management software

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Refined style - Daddy's Music
4. Inspirational Background - Audio Coffee
   
   

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Long before the formulation of the world’s first MA in Screendance by the LCDS, the genre had already dated as far back to the early days of cinema. Gene Kelly emerged as a prominent figure during the 1940s and 50s after he starred in and co-directed the classic film "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). In contemporary cinema, dance continues to play a significant role through films such as "Black Swan" (2010), "La La Land" (2016), which have all brought dance back into the spotlight for the next generation of creators to continue evolving.

One such creator is dancer, choreographer, and creative director hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California - Mike Tyus. Tyus has graced the stages of renowned companies including Cirque Du Soleil, Pilobolus Dance Theater, while collaborating with visionaries like Sidi Larbi Cherkoui and Inbal Pinto. His choreographic style is a captivating fusion of his diverse training, blending elements from circus theater, acrobatics, ballet, and Greco-Roman wrestling to create a truly unique and mesmerizing art form as evidenced with the likes of the LA Dance Project and Joffrey Ballet. In 2020, he established Mike Tyus & Co, a dance company dedicated to bringing his visionary work to life, with an impressive repertoire of over 13 films and a litany of original works and branded commercial campaigns featuring SONY, Apple, and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Continuing a brand new season and month of Dance Choreography, this episode ponders about the ideas and potential of creating dance for the camera, and what it takes to succeed as a screendance choreographer. Ready to discover the filmmaker within you? Join us as we foreground dance in the background!

• Mike Tyus
• Jacob Jonas The Company
• Dance Masterclass
• MA in Screendance
• TPOPA Interview

Soundtracks:

1. Birds - Tyler Twombly
2. Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
3. Courtesy - WolfBeat
4. Uplifting background music - Saavane
   
   

Support the show

Like our offers?

• Try Nord VPN

Like what we do? Help us grow by

• Visiting The Background Dancer
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• Rate and review here
• Email me at backgrounddancer.jy@gmail.com
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• Leave a thought on Facebook and Instagram
• Join the Facebook group and introduce yourself as a member of our community