celestial motion

An immersive dance performance in virtual reality, Celestial Motion is inspired by the stunning imagery captured by solar physics research. Shehani directed this experience which was choreographed by Alexander Whitley and performed by his company. The interactive experience captured the dance in two ways, 360 filming and motion capture technology, in order to explore movement across human and astronomical scales. An interactive version was published for Google Daydream via the Guardian’s VR app which enabled users to switch between the human dancers and their digital avatars. The linear 360 version on YouTube shows these two worlds but is non-interactive.

A new roomscale version was created with the support of Vive Arts in 2019. Celestial Motion II transports you to an alternate universe where you are joined by a virtual cast of world-class dancers on a breathtaking journey towards the sun. Using HTC Vive motion tracking technology to playfully recreate your body, this thrilling experience immerses you in a stunning visual environment inspired by the dynamic world of solar physics.