Chapter 19: New Horizons
New Horizons
Olivia, Octavia and her friends sat on the floor of the studio bristling with anticipation.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the dance could lead the technology,” mused ‘Liv.
“You’ve achieved so much here,” muttered Charlie, full of respect for his friend. “We’ve realised so many of our ambitions. Sara studied Fine Art and Izzy is at the beginning of a wonderful career in illustration. You have really developed technology within your dance work and we have all seen how our academic learning futures may change as we grow within our respective careers. Billy is a fine documentary maker and has fantastic opportunities in front of him and you have realised your dream of becoming a journalist on a major newspaper Henry.”
“It’s such an exciting time,” Henry agreed enthusiastically.
“Look.” Octavia pointed to the large screen across the studio.
Kai and Jem crossed the studio to explain what could happen during the day.
“These tiny little sensors can be attached to any part of your body you wish. As your body moves they can measure the significance of your movements in terms of gravity, flow and pace. This is then transmitted through the technology to the screen where you can develop the images in many, many ways.”
“Come on ‘Liv, let’s get going,” exclaimed an excited Octavia.
“Just one thing Jem. This looks really exciting because I can see how the dance might lead the technology. But is that right?”
“Yes, you decide how the dance should dictate the results using the technology. We can also dictate sound using movement through the technology.”
Olivia and Octavia had finally realised their dream. The technology was accessible, they could use it to develop their love of dance in a way that opened up a whole new world for them in their visions of what dance should be. They were able to involve Sara and Izzy and so many of their friends.
“Look at the shapes on the screen, “shouted Sara and Izzy in unison.
“I love the grainy textures of the dancers that almost form a screen print in style,” mused Sara, as she wondered how she might use the work in her own subject area.
“…. and the sharp lines of the lime green against the black background as the dancers move is giving me so many ideas,” Izzy croaked in excitement.
“It’s fantastic, it’s all come together.” Octavia and Olivia were drunk with excitement and their visions of where this might lead in their own futures.
“I’m just so happy that we can leave some sort of legacy for the students coming through behind us,” cried Olivia. This technology is accessible to them, it is fairly easy to use and the world is open to them, they can go as far as they want in developing their particular specialism’s and futures.”
“…and it is dictated by the dance. It’s just what we wanted to explore,” replied a tired Octavia.
“You know I wish I was starting again. I would love another three years to develop this, it really is the future,” agreed Olivia. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an undergraduate dance technology course where you could really get your teeth into this, can you imagine the possibilities.”
“Have you thought of continuing your exploration ‘Liv? You’ve really found something you love doing and wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the chance to move forward and develop this further?”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking Octavia? An MA or research, maybe a PhD: The Dancer and Technology. Are you really serious about this?” Olivia was unsure, but so excited at the thought of what her friend was suggesting.
“You, me, dance and technology. Think where we might go now. The future is there for us to explore,” agreed Octavia.
“Let’s do it,” shouted Olivia embracing her friend. Henry, Kai, Tam, Sara, Izzy, Cat, Billy and Henry cheered. Learning Futures were in good hands. The friends knew they had worked on, and would continue developing something special, ongoing and unique in each of their interest areas. The way they and probably all students would learn was likely to change over the coming years. However, they were all ready to embrace these changes and knew there were exciting times ahead.
“A toast,” cheered Charlie. “To all of us. To the creation and ongoing development of academic learning futures.
“They all raised their glasses.”
“To all our futures,” toasted Olivia, “…and to the very best of friends.”
