Vive la Difference: Interview with Robert Wechsler (Nürnberg /New York)

[Marlon Barrios Solano]

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dance-tech.net interviewed via Skype dance and technology pioneer Robert Wechsler, director of Palindrome. He is a choreographer, dancer and developer of interactive ways of performing using new technology. His interest in sensors and electronic devices dates back to the 1970's when he used hand-held electronic devices to generate sounds through his movement on stage. This was in Ames, Iowa, in the United States where he was studying genetics. A move to New York City and a ten-year dance training (SUNY Purchase, Merce Cunningham, Maggie Black, ...) did little to lessen his interest in science and technology.
For his choreography and dancing he has been honored with a Fulbright Fellowship, a Nürnberg Innovation Award (2000), CynetArt (first prize for multi-media achievement, 2001), first prize for best interactive art at the Berlin Transmediale (2002) and was second place for the Jury Prize of the Monaco Dance Forum in 2006.

In 2004, Wechsler designed England's first masters degree program in digital performance at Doncaster College which he head for two years. He is the author of articles concerned with dance and new media for Leonardo Magazine, IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, Ballet International, Dance Magazine, Dance Research Journal, Nouvelle de Danse, Der Tanz der Dinge and others. His first book, "Motion Tracking -- a practical guide for performing artists" is scheduled for publication later this year.

Video Editing courtesy of Ashley A. Friend