Continuum One

Premiered October 12, 2024

Boulder Ballet’s Dancers’ Choice Program

Gordon Gamm Theatre, The Dairy Arts Center

Boulder, Colorado

Continuum One is the first movement of an ongoing experimental work. A dancer wears six inertial measurement sensors on the wrists, ankles, head, and back, which transmit motion data in real time to a computer. The composer has trained a neural network to recognize specific phrases and movements performed by the dancer. 

This AI system sends messages to another application, directing it to use the motion data to control various musical parameters depending on the dancer’s movements. The resulting soundscapes are created to amplify the evocative and emotional qualities of the choreography.

Through continuous collaboration between composer, dancer, and choreographer, a piece is constantly refined wherein the dancer enters a dialogue with the music, learning  to influence and shape it in different directions. The AI also introduces surprises and mistakes–leading to situations where the dancer is prompted by the music to elaborate on specific phrases that result in new ideas that sprout from uncertainty and chance.

Concept & Vision: Philip Gabriel Perez

Music & Engineering: Michael Schulze

Dancer for AI & Inspiration: Emma Rae Michaux

Costume Design: Julia Luyties

Lighting Design: Craig Bushman

Videography: Nick Soloninka, courtesy of Boulder Ballet