A Solution for Improving Data Capture Process with the Aim of Gathering Azeri Dance Data

The recent human is on the cutting edge of Information and Communication Technologies, making lots of valuable data for their descendants. But the main issue is converting and maintaining the traditional and cultural data via stories, dances and activities from the ancestors to the descendants; negligence results in loss of cultural and location-based information.

 In this project, Perception Neuron device (a wearable system of nonoptoelectronics MoCap group) was utilized for capturing the data of the musical movements of the body. The captured data refers Azerbaijan, known as Azeri Dance in the world. Whole project contained three phases of possibility of identification, capturing and maintenance of musical movements on cultural-climatic backgrounds, endeavor at utilizing these musical movements of the body in creation of melodic and rhythmic patterns and the game side of project containing levels, game-based learning, player progress and skill comparison among players. The device was attached to the female performer with the body height of 165-170cm according to software’s default body size with fewer flaws in data. The captured data is musical movements of the famous folk tune called Terekeme (pronounces as /Tærækæmæ/).

The final product of the Musical Movements and Azeri dance, has been build and presented with in a 3D room in Unity game engine. The player could move around and get closer to the performers in order to watch the dance and musical movements from different angles along with hearing the real music (perfomer danced with) syncing with the movements.

This interdisciplinary research provided an interface for Azeri dance and rhythmic melodies using digital technology. The research can be extended to any culture from any part of the earth as well as for entertainment, medical, rehabilitation and educational purposes.