Sense Move: A Dance Costume Revolution

Designer Zhulin Shi's Award-Winning Innovation in Wearable Technology

With a background in dancing and choreography, Shi was inspired by a conversation with renowned choreographer and dance artist Yin Mei. Mei's words, "I can create an architecture space using my joints, which is already telling a story," sparked the initial concept for Sense Move. The design focuses on geometrical folding that follows the kinetic movement of the body, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional sculpture.

Sense Move is not just a costume; it's an interactive piece of wearable technology. The costume communicates emotions through different light effects that respond to the dancer's movements. A slow fade mimics breathing, while a flash indicates excitement. These light effects not only enhance the performance but also create a new geometric space for the dancers, expanding the boundaries of the performance industry.

The creation of Sense Move involved a combination of sketching, draping, cutting, sewing, soldering, and programming. The costume, measuring 70mm in width, 30mm in depth, and 150mm in height, is a testament to Shi's technical prowess and innovative thinking. The design process was not without its challenges, with the main difficulty being the conceptualization and realization of the costume's form. However, through extensive prototyping and material exploration, Shi was able to create a design that not only inspires dancers but also captivates audiences.

Sense Move has been showcased in experimental workshops and a chamber opera in New York City since its inception in May 2016. It has also been featured in the "Sense Move" workshop with Yin Mei and violinist Wang Xiaotong, and the experimental "Sense & Sound" workshop at the New Musical Instrument Hackathon 2016 at Spotify's NYC headquarters. In 2018, Shi redesigned the Sense Move costume for a multimedia opera, Semulacrum.

The design's success is evident in its recognition by the prestigious A' Design Award, where it won Silver in the Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design category in 2020. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, and that evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. Sense Move certainly fits this description, revolutionizing the way we perceive and experience dance performances.