Dancing invisible duets: using volumetric capture to create one-to-one performance in virtual reality

This artist reflection piece will consider the solo studio process for creating the choreography and capturing the movement for Facades, a dance/theatre virtual reality (VR) artwork that uses a single camera volumetric capture (VolCap) set-up. I consider the potential of the affordable and simple workflow used and assess how the spatial and capture limitations of this technical set-up informed the choreographic process and artistic decisions made. I reflect upon the unusual yet empowering process of working alone in the studio to create and capture this work. Differing from the usual studio experience of creating digital performance work with a larger team of dancers, creative technologists and technicians. Drawing on audience feedback, I consider how my solitude in creating the work fed into the choreographic and artistic content which translated into the solo experience for the audience member via the technology. I highlight the potential that VolCap offers for creating new technologically enabled intimate performances in VR, whilst acknowledging the emerging ethical implications of presenting performances in virtual environments (VE).