Choreographic environments: new technologies and movement-related artistic work

The use of digital technology in choreographic work invites an expanded understanding of space as choreographic component and, in certain circumstances, also changes the role of the viewer. Interactive technologies in particular encourage viewers to become physically involved with the choreographic work, as the materialisation of such work often relies on their physical participation, which functions as a trigger for the work’s interactive mechanism. In order to accommodate such shifts in current choreographic practice, the concept of 'interdisciplinary choreography' is introduced in this chapter as an expanded notion of choreography. This also makes possible a wider application of Preston-Dunlop’s notion of the performative in dance by suggesting that embodiment and corporeality, traditionally located in relation to the physical activities of the performers, can be also identified as part of the experience of the viewers. Choreographic works by Sophia Lycouris, Mark Coiglio/Dawn Stoppiello, and Sarah Rubidge are discussed to demonstrate how choreographic rules operate hybrid choreographic spaces, which consist of both physical and digital elements, and the concept of 'choreographic environments' is introduced to indicate installative choreographic works which are created to surround active viewers.