VR Dance
In 2021, MASH established a VR studio for filming and editing artistic content in VR technology designed for viewing through VR headsets and creating a revolutionary audience experience.
Under the auspices of this unique project, MASH operates in three channels:
1- Providing filming services and producing content to be viewed using interactive, virtual technology for Israeli artists and culture centers, and building a rich repertoire of virtual performance content. This approach gives creators the opportunity to reach new audiences through innovative, cutting-edge technology and changes the whole perception of stage performance as a concept dependent on a defined time and place.
2- Establishment of a virtual cinema with 30 VR headsets that allow audiences and visitors to watch high quality cultural performances in an innovative way and creates a tourist attraction (national and international) that displays the multicultural and multifaceted spirit of Jerusalem.
3- Operation of a community destination for underprivileged populations and the tourist community combined. In 2022, MASH presented the VR Dance experience to elderly homes, boarding schools, dance groups, and in a variety of educational programs.
The project is supported by the Jerusalem Foundation, Jerusalem Municipality, and The Jerusalem Development Authority.
During the showcase events, MASH will be giving an update on an ongoing VR research project in collaboration with Kent State University School of Theater and Dance - an attempt to create an environment for dancers in different locations to meet, work and create in a virtual location.
Research team:
Ruby Edelman, MASH co-founder, and CEO
Itay ben Yosef, XR Artist, and Researcher
Jeffrey Marc Rockland, Dance Division Coordinator, Kent State University (KSU)
Jong-Hoon Kim, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Director of ATR Lab, KSU
Jakyung Seo, Associate Professor of Lighting Design, KSU
Sophia Matar, Computer Science - Student Technology Researcher, KSU
Mayhugh Cebula, East Meets West Student President and Dance Researcher, KSU
Irad Avni’s work, “Narkis,” will be shown in a virtual reality format during the showcase events in the afternoon of Monday, December 5th.
