Brainwave to measure activity
Scientists from the University of Stirling have been examining the brain activity of dancers taking part in a show at the Macrobert Arts Centre.
PhD researcher Simon Ladouce recorded the electrical brain activity of dancers as they perform a choreographed routine in Mark Murphy’s V-TOL Out of this World show.
The show, which combines aerial movement, live music and interactive projection, will premiere tonight (Friday).
And during the research the dancers wore caps filled with electrodes on their heads, and signals told experts when and where electrical activity is changing on the surface of the brain.
The experiment aims to bring the science behind artistic production to life and Simon says he hopes the results lead to a greater understanding of the brain’s actions while dancing.
He said: “This unique linkup with Macrobert and the makers of Out of this World represents a great opportunity to put our methods developed here at Stirling to the challenge, capturing brain activity during highly dynamic behaviours in a reallife environment.
“We want to find out more about the brain’s dynamics while dancing. Although some dancers make it seem effortless, dancing actually requires the brain to plan a series of complex actions and quickly adapt these based on what their partner, or the tempo of music, is doing.
“We are particularly interested in the difference between dancing along and with a partner. How do brain processes differ when dancing in synchrony?”