The most striking thing about Wayne McGregor's latest exhibition at Somerset House is its audacious attempt to redefine what we mean by "dance." The 55-year-old choreographer has long been pushing boundaries, but this show takes it to dizzying heights – or depths, depending on how you look at it. Gone are the days of live performers pirouetting across the stage; instead, the visitor becomes an integral part of the experience.
McGregor's artistic vision is one of physical intelligence: he wants us to harness our bodies as instruments, attuning ourselves to the world around us and each other. And what a fascinating exercise this proves to be. From the artificially intelligent movement archive AISoma, where your eight-second dance visualized by a stick figure is extrapolated into new movement, to Random International's mesmerizing Future Self: 10,000 LED lights that illuminate in response to your every move, the possibilities are endless.
But it's not just about technology – this exhibition also delves deep into McGregor's own creative process. You can glimpse his notebooks, where ideas and inspirations are scribbled out by hand. There are even movement-sensitive mirrors, which turn their gaze on you like a tribe of miniature paparazzi. It's as if the choreographer is saying: "Feel me – feel my body in space, and let your own become one with mine."
Of course, not every experience here works – some feel abstract to the point of being forgettable. The AI-generated dance visualizations can be a bit clunky, and I'm still undecided about whether McGregor's investment in this technology is worth it (compared to Merce Cunningham's dice-rolling days). But then there's On the Other Earth – an immersive 360-degree film that wraps you in darkness, making your own body feel more visceral than ever.
Visitors are invited to experience McGregor's world through a unique lens: one that blurs the line between dancer and spectator. And if they do so without having seen his latest theatrical endeavor, the exhibition alone might leave them feeling slightly... distant. But what a brave move this is – an attempt to probe our own bodies' sensations in ways we've never experienced before.
Ultimately, it's about bold ideas. Ideas that dare us to reconsider the way we understand dance. And if you step into McGregor's world, you'll find yourself swept up in an adventure that challenges everything you thought you knew about movement and presence. So go ahead – feel your body in space, let technology amplify your senses, and let your own spirit soar.
McGregor's artistic vision is one of physical intelligence: he wants us to harness our bodies as instruments, attuning ourselves to the world around us and each other. And what a fascinating exercise this proves to be. From the artificially intelligent movement archive AISoma, where your eight-second dance visualized by a stick figure is extrapolated into new movement, to Random International's mesmerizing Future Self: 10,000 LED lights that illuminate in response to your every move, the possibilities are endless.
But it's not just about technology – this exhibition also delves deep into McGregor's own creative process. You can glimpse his notebooks, where ideas and inspirations are scribbled out by hand. There are even movement-sensitive mirrors, which turn their gaze on you like a tribe of miniature paparazzi. It's as if the choreographer is saying: "Feel me – feel my body in space, and let your own become one with mine."
Of course, not every experience here works – some feel abstract to the point of being forgettable. The AI-generated dance visualizations can be a bit clunky, and I'm still undecided about whether McGregor's investment in this technology is worth it (compared to Merce Cunningham's dice-rolling days). But then there's On the Other Earth – an immersive 360-degree film that wraps you in darkness, making your own body feel more visceral than ever.
Visitors are invited to experience McGregor's world through a unique lens: one that blurs the line between dancer and spectator. And if they do so without having seen his latest theatrical endeavor, the exhibition alone might leave them feeling slightly... distant. But what a brave move this is – an attempt to probe our own bodies' sensations in ways we've never experienced before.
Ultimately, it's about bold ideas. Ideas that dare us to reconsider the way we understand dance. And if you step into McGregor's world, you'll find yourself swept up in an adventure that challenges everything you thought you knew about movement and presence. So go ahead – feel your body in space, let technology amplify your senses, and let your own spirit soar.
. It's like he's saying that our bodies are instruments just waiting to be tuned up! The way they've incorporated technology into the experience is wild - I mean, who wouldn't want to see their own movements visualized on screen? 
And those mirrors? They're like tiny paparazzi following you around... it's trippy. My only gripe is that some of it feels a bit too abstract, like they're still figuring out how to make the tech work seamlessly with the art 
. But overall, I think it's a bold and exciting move, and I love how it makes you feel like you're an integral part of the performance 
The way this exhibition blurs the line between performer and spectator is honestly giving me all sorts of vibes. It's like, what even is a "dancer" anymore? 
Still not entirely sure but I think that's kinda the point. It's all about experimentation and pushing boundaries. I mean who needs a clear answer when you can just feel it, right? 
. I love how Wayne McGregor's pushing the boundaries of what we consider "dance" - it's like, totally redefining the term 
. I mean, I've never seen anything like that AI movement archive AISoma 
, it's so trippy! And those LED lights in Future Self: 10,000? Mind. Blown. 
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, it's like getting a glimpse into his creative process 
. And those movement-sensitive mirrors? Creepy cool 
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, but I do love On the Other Earth - that immersive 360-degree film is like a whole new level of experience 
. Overall tho, I think this exhibition is just, so cool 
. It's all about exploring our own bodies and sensations in new ways 
.
. I mean, who needs live performers when you can have yourself as the main attraction? It's all about tuning into your body and the world around you, which is kinda trippy but in a good way 
. The tech stuff is wild too, like that AISoma archive – it's amazing how far technology has come! But for me, the magic happens when I'm immersed in his film On the Other Earth... it's like my own body becomes the star of the show 
. McGregor's not afraid to take risks and try new things, which is what makes this exhibition so special 
. Even if some bits don't quite work, it's all part of the journey, right?
But at the same time, I'm not sure if it's all working for me... like that AI-generated dance visualization thingy - it feels a bit weird 
And what's up with the movement-sensitive mirrors? Are they just creepy or something? 
Can we really harness our bodies as instruments like that? 
And what about the technology investment - is it worth it compared to other dance styles? 
I need some more info on that one... 
. Like, seriously, an AI-generated dance visualizer that's just stuck on repeat for 8 seconds? That's some next-level passive-aggressive stuff 
. But hey, if you wanna play along and think you're some kind of movement ninja, be my guest 
. Just don't expect me to be all swoony about it like everyone else... 
. Overall, I think this exhibition is a total game-changer for anyone who's ever wondered what dance can really be.
. The mirrors that turn on you? Mind blown 
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. It's a bold move to blur the line between dancer and spectator, but it's definitely working 
. If you haven't checked out his exhibition yet, I highly recommend giving it a go – your body will thank you