Abstract
This paper presents Pair Motion, a novel real-time augmented reality (AR) system developed to enhance spontaneous bodily expression and creativity in dance novices. Unlike traditional dance systems that emphasize imitation, Pair Motion encourages beginners to explore movement freely through embodied interaction with a virtual dance partner. The system leverages cutting-edge AR and motion capture technologies, allowing users to engage with virtual content in real time. By combining the Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) framework to assess movement dynamics such as Flow (Bound), Time (Sustained), and Space (Indirect), we explore how Pair Motion enhances body awareness, emotional expression, and creativity Our approach addresses the limitations of conventional mirrors and instructor-led methods, which can inhibit natural movement expression, especially for beginners facing challenges such as performance anxiety and lack of body awareness. The virtual dance partner, which functions as an embodied interaction mechanism, actively engages withusers, guiding them through movement and emotional expression in a collaborative learning environment. Results show that Pair Motion significantly reduces anxiety, improves confidence, andfosters creative movement exploration. Additionally, the introduction of visual cues, such as light trails linking the user’s movements with the virtual partner, further stimulates embodied engagement and enhances movement fluency. The findings highlight the potential of AR technology in dance education, emphasizing how em bodied interaction and virtual avatars can support beginners in overcoming physical inhibitions and developing expressive in dance learning.
Keywords
Augmented Reality Mirror; Embodied engagement; Expressive Movement
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.1120
Citation
Huang, K., Hu, J., Xiao, Q.,and Zhao, L.(2025) PairMotion: A Real-time AR System for Enhancing Bodily Expression and Creativity in Dance Novices, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.1120
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 3 - Design, Art & Technology
PairMotion: A Real-time AR System for Enhancing Bodily Expression and Creativity in Dance Novices
This paper presents Pair Motion, a novel real-time augmented reality (AR) system developed to enhance spontaneous bodily expression and creativity in dance novices. Unlike traditional dance systems that emphasize imitation, Pair Motion encourages beginners to explore movement freely through embodied interaction with a virtual dance partner. The system leverages cutting-edge AR and motion capture technologies, allowing users to engage with virtual content in real time. By combining the Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) framework to assess movement dynamics such as Flow (Bound), Time (Sustained), and Space (Indirect), we explore how Pair Motion enhances body awareness, emotional expression, and creativity Our approach addresses the limitations of conventional mirrors and instructor-led methods, which can inhibit natural movement expression, especially for beginners facing challenges such as performance anxiety and lack of body awareness. The virtual dance partner, which functions as an embodied interaction mechanism, actively engages withusers, guiding them through movement and emotional expression in a collaborative learning environment. Results show that Pair Motion significantly reduces anxiety, improves confidence, andfosters creative movement exploration. Additionally, the introduction of visual cues, such as light trails linking the user’s movements with the virtual partner, further stimulates embodied engagement and enhances movement fluency. The findings highlight the potential of AR technology in dance education, emphasizing how em bodied interaction and virtual avatars can support beginners in overcoming physical inhibitions and developing expressive in dance learning.