Machine Learning

In Machine Learning (2018), the human element is rendered in the dancer’s avatar and their mirrored co-player, whose form changes from smart materials to drone swarms. These animated films were a collaboration with choreographer and dancer Dwayne-Antony Simms, and were also made through motion-capture. The duet explores balance, mimicry and challenge as Simms teaches the robot to follow his steps. Although it was initially performed in an empty room, it depicts a surprisingly natural conversation between human and machine. From the abstract, humanity emerges, with the piece asking: Can a robot outperform a dancer? Would a robot dance for fun?

Creative Director: Matt Pyke
Senior Producer: Greg Povey
3D Animation: Joe Street
Sound Design: Simon Pyke
Dancer/Choreographer: Dwayne-Anthony Simms
Motion Capture: Audio Motion