IJAD Dance Company works at the intersections of performing arts, technology and science to evolve new creative forms and innovation in the industry, while offering new insights into the human body and advancing movement techniques. This is done via multi-dimensional performances, expert discussion and community projects.
Open Online Theatre (OOT) is IJAD’s interactive live streaming platform and digital playground, where artists can connect and co-create with remote audiences, and audiences experience innovative work. OOT Artist Residencies offer artists training, mentorship and hands-on experience of emerging technologies.
Through OOTFest, a regular Festival of Hybrid Performing Arts, artists share innovative work using emerging technologies, with live and remote audiences via the OOT platform.
IJAD’s Connective Matrix round table and panel discussions invite researchers, artists, thinkers and technologists to unpack the challenges and opportunities at the intersections of performing arts and technology.
More about IJAD Dance Company
IJAD is leading the exploration of movement, science and technology. Through engagement and research, we collaborate with communities and create opportunities. IJAD has been working with science and technology events since being commissioned by the Science Museum to create a performance for Lates in 2013. We use dance and digital technology to explore the big scientific themes such as space and gravity and their impact upon human health and wellbeing. Our work has been shown at FACT, Manchester Science Festival and at venues around the UK and beyond. Over the past four years we have engaged with over 2000 workshop participants, 100 artists and 21,500+ audience members (both live and virtual), across 38 countries.
OOTFest21/OOTFest22 We attracted audiences from 58 cities and 28 countries.IJAD is led by Artistic Director Joumana Mourad. A dancer and choreographer by training, she is at the forefront of what is possible with dance and technology, whilst being able to relate her findings to the wider community.
Between Now and 2025
Research
We’re researching the moving body ecology and its expression as tool for creating immersive interactive experiences in a hybrid format. By incorporating movement, expression, and technology, we are looking at creating experiences that engage the senses, challenge the body, and stimulate the mind, and thus provide a unique and memorable experience for the audience.
Performance
Co-creating work:
- We use collaborative tools and platforms to enable remote collaboration between artists and creatives, allowing them to work together regardless of location.
- We involve the audience in the creative process, for example through feedback sessions or participatory workshops.
- We embrace diversity and inclusivity in the co-creation process, seeking out input from a wide range of individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives.
Optimizing the use of technology:
- We consider using multiple cameras and angles to provide a more dynamic viewing experience for the audience.
- We use live streaming and interactive chat features to create a sense of community and engagement for the audience.
- We explore the use of immersive technologies such as virtual or augmented reality to create a more immersive experience.
Improving the quality of streamed performances:
- We use high-quality cameras and recording equipment to capture the performance in the best possible way.
- We consider using 360° choreography and recording to capture the performance from multiple angles, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
- We use high-quality streaming services to ensure that the audience can watch the performance without technical difficulties.
Overall, co-creating work, optimizing technology, and improving the quality of streamed performances are all crucial components of developing engaging performances that can reach a wider audience. By considering these areas and implementing effective strategies, we create compelling and memorable experiences for audiences around the world.
Debate
We’re inviting technology companies to discuss the use of technology in performing arts, and encouraging dance companies to come together to shape the future of the industry.
Training
We’re sharing our learning with fellow performance companies, and offering workshops with community groups to co-create performances.