Dancing may soon become a universal experience that brings joy and connection to people around the globe, all from the comfort of their homes. The festive season can often intensify feelings of isolation for many, particularly during times of social distancing and lockdowns.

Pieter van der Linden, co-founder of the French digital solutions company Vivitnet, explains that while the internet has profoundly changed human interaction, it has also led to a decrease in genuine connections. "Today’s interactions online are largely passive and cerebral, focusing more on thoughts than emotions," he says. "For many people, the internet can feel isolating rather than connecting."

A team of researchers from Germany, Finland, the UK, and France is on a mission to transform this narrative. By leveraging artificial intelligence and immersive virtual technologies, they aim to incorporate movement into online interactions, with dancing as their focal point.

Dancing Away the Loneliness

Van der Linden is part of the groundbreaking CAROUSEL project, which combines AI and technology to enable users to connect and dance with partners—real or virtual—online. As loneliness continues to take a toll on physical and mental health, dancing is emerging as a dynamic solution. It offers a host of health benefits, both physical and emotional.

"Dance is a deeply human form of expression," van der Linden emphasizes, noting its historical significance in celebrating, ritualizing, and simply having fun. His research highlights how dancing fosters intimate connections, requiring participants to focus on one another and synchronize their movements.

The motivation for this research stems largely from the rise in social isolation following the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2022 survey revealed that 13% of respondents reported feeling lonely most of the time. This growing awareness of loneliness as a public health issue parallels the urgent conversation around mental health.

Embracing Technology to Connect

The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, based in Kaiserslautern, leads the research alongside various academic and SME partners, including Aalto University in Finland and Grassroots Arts and Research UG in Germany. Together, they have pioneered a mix of technologies that allow users to sense the presence and movement of their dance partners—regardless of physical location.

Utilizing cameras for movement capture and AI for avatar creation eliminates time lag, ensuring that dancers can stay in rhythm. The researchers aim to make the technology as accessible as possible, envisioning the use of standard equipment like mobile phones in the future. "Our goal is to create a mass-market product that is affordable for everyone," van der Linden asserts.

A Therapeutic Escape Through Dance

Professional dancer Alexandra Schmuklermann, a research assistant for the CAROUSEL project, shares her excitement over the initiative’s potential. "This technology allows people from around the world to dance together in a shared digital environment. This connectivity is invaluable for dancers, both amateur and professional."

Schmuklermann also highlights the psychological benefits of escaping into a virtual realm. "Even in a crowded space, this program can provide a sanctuary where you can mentally detach from the real world," she explains.

To ensure that the system is user-friendly across all ages and fitness levels, the team curates dance moves that are both creative and easy to replicate—avoiding overly complex routines that could intimidate beginners.

Safety is also a top priority; a virtual boundary helps prevent users from colliding with obstacles in their physical space while immersed in the virtual environment. Moreover, users can switch between fully immersive virtual reality and augmented reality modes, allowing for interactions in their own familiar settings.

The Dancefloor of the Future

Moreover, users won't just dance with real partners; CAROUSEL integrates AI-powered dancing avatars that serve as “digital icebreakers.” These animated partners, trained on various dance styles and movements, help reduce the anxiety often associated with dancing in front of others.

Although still a work in progress, the researchers envision CAROUSEL as a comprehensive tool that addresses isolation and encourages an active lifestyle. "Movement is vital for mental and physical health,” van der Linden says. "Our project ultimately aims to uplift spirits and create connections through the joyous act of dance."

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, this innovative application of AI and virtual reality could redefine not just how we socialize, but how we celebrate our shared humanity. Get ready to reclaim the dance floor—solo or with a partner—like never before!