The Robotics Engineer Reimagining the Dance Industry

Over the past decade, a new generation of technologists have joined the dance industry aiming to transform traditional approaches. For roboticist Artem Syzdykov, exploring the dynamics of lines and shapes in movement has evolved into a lifelong passion.

Recent advancements in technology have influenced dance techniques, while software engineers and scientists are now disrupting the industry.

Andeene Denton, PhD in planetary geology, has utilized her dance expertise to envision how the human body might move during interstellar travel, preparing for her future journey to Mars.

Maya Man, a technologist at Google and an exceptional hip-hop dancer, collaborates with renowned choreographer Bill T. Jones, operating at the intersection of movement and structure.

Artem Syzdykov, a roboticist, applies his engineering approach to shapes and lines to coach dance champions. He has developed his unique training system through researching the mechanics of steps, movements, and their interconnections.

We spoke with Artem about “dance engineering” and the future of the industry.

About the importance of shapes and lines

Shapes and lines add dimension and structure to movements, enhancing the overall appearance of a dance onstage. This allows dancers to refine their technique, execute movements with clarity, and focus on storytelling.

Structure plays a pivotal role in dances like Paso Doble, commonly featured in competitions. This dramatic and theatrical dance, inspired by the Spanish bullfight, has strong, staccato movements and dramatic poses.

When Syzdykov worked with Nora Ravelo, World Over 50 Latin Champion, he delved into the history of Paso Doble to ensure her victory at the competition.

“In Paso Doble, every single body muscle has to dance,” he said. “Clear lines, positions, and shapes are extremely important.”

While Samba, Rumba, Cha-Cha, and Jive evolved throughout the years, Paso Doble remained authentic. To present it well, one needs to learn the structural elements of movement.

“Lines in the Paso Doble are not built with one hand or leg; to extend the arm, I engage the entire body,” Syzdykov said. “The dance is strictly limited by music, so you can’t miss something and jump in.”

How to excel in dance and win championships

In dance championships, you really see only the skills you’ve practiced over and over again shine through.

“If you haven’t really got that movement locked into your body, the pressure of competition will hinder its expression,” Syzdykov said. “Focus on practicing to ensure the movement becomes second nature through repetition.”

It is important to choose the right dance coach. “The most effective method is by word of mouth,” Syzdykov said. “Our students typically come through recommendations from friends or through encounters at competitions.”

A good coach will align with the student’s objectives and personality. “If you aspire to excel, yet your coach insists everything is perfect, then you might not be under the right guidance,” he added.

“Other coaches project their unfulfilled ambitions onto their students, whereas these people merely seek to enjoy social dancing,” Syzdykov said. “Everyone follows their own path and possesses their unique potential.”

What’s next for the dance industry

In the future, AI solutions could analyze data to identify dance patterns. Coaches will be able to generate innovative movement sequences and create personalized training programs.

Wearable devices, such as smart sensors and motion trackers, can monitor dancers’ performance metrics in real-time, including muscle activation and energy expenditure, to inform coaches. And collaborative software platforms could facilitate remote rehearsals.

Communication, however, will continue to be crucial, according to Syzdykov. “With my background in robotics, technology was easy but isolating for me,” he said. “Dance revolves around the alignment and connection between two individuals.”