Alexander Whitley Dance: The Open Fund for Organisations

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Pattern Recognition - A Sadler's Wells Commission and DanceEast Co-commission

How do we remember in the digital age? In this visually arresting new work choreographer Alexander Whitley and digital artist Memo Akten join forces at the cutting edge of dance and motion-responsive technology. Using a system of moving lights, which can track and intelligently respond to the dancers it observes, Pattern Recognition opens up questions about learning and memory in relation to the technology of artificial intelligence. This new duet features a score by critically-acclaimed electronic composer Scanner and Southbank Centre artist-in-residence cellist Oliver Coates.

Pattern Recognition brings together for the first time, artists who are leaders in their respective fields, to create a work that will offer a unique connection between movement, cutting-edge technology, electronic sound and acoustic instrumentation. This work looks to the future, examining the technology of artificial intelligence using a computer system that learns, while incorporating elements of classical tradition to break new ground across art forms. Pattern Recognition will introduce contemporary dance and music to new audiences at dance and digital venues in the UK and internationally.

Alexander Whitley is a Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate, DanceEast Associate Artist and former Choreographic Affiliate of The Royal Ballet. He has been commissioned by Rambert, BalletBoyz and Birmingham Royal Ballet and was nominated for the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Emerging Artist and the Sky Arts South Bank Breakthrough Artist Award. Memo Akten, winner of the prestigious Prix Ars Electronica Golden Nica, has exhibited at venues such as the V&A, Tate Britain, and around the world.

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