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ICAT Playdate — Epiphany Machine: Real-time EEG Brain Scanning for Live Performance.

November 8, 2024

Epiphany Machine (2024) is a neuroballet for two subjects using live electroencephalography (EEG) to visualize the brain activity of dancers in a variety of performance states. Traditionally, the brain has been studied in stillness, but recent advances in Mobile Brain Body Imaging (MoBI) have enhanced our ability to study the moving brain of not only one but two or more individuals during interactive experiences. The resulting piece is a hybrid performance event, existing as both a concert work of dance and as a scientific study into the effects of dance on brain activity. It is an interdisciplinary, collaborative investigation into livestreaming and visualize the brain activity of dancers in a variety of choreographic tasks including meditative states with the eyes closed (affecting alpha oscillations), repetitive choreographic states (affecting beta oscillations), and spatial improvisations (affecting theta oscillations).

Speakers: 

  • Dr. Julia Basso
    Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Science
  • Dr. Daniel English
    School of Neuroscience
  • Scotty Hardwig
    School of Performing Arts
  • Zach Duer
    School of Visual Arts
  • Noor Tasnim
    Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health

Date:

  • November 8, 2024

Time:  

  • 8:30am EDT
     Networking & Donuts at Community Assembly, Creativity and Innovation District LLC
  • 9am EDT
     Presentation begins in the Community Assembly and live on YouTube

Virginia Tech faculty can receive Professional Development Network (PDN) credit for attending

  1. Register at https://profdev.tlos.vt.edu/?query=playdate 
  2. Check in with Phyllis Newbill during the event.

Location: Community Assembly, Creativity and Innovation District LLC