Dance Anatomy: A Unique Fusion of Art and Technology

Contemporary Dance Inspires Award-Winning Jewelry Design

Renowned designer Ksenia Zagaynova presents Dance Anatomy, a unique collection of jewelry that draws inspiration from the fluidity and dynamism of contemporary dance. This innovative design, which won the prestigious Platinum A' Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Award in 2020, is a testament to the limitless possibilities of combining art, design, and technology.

The Dance Anatomy collection comprises rings and earrings that encapsulate the grace and power of a dancer's body in motion. Zagaynova meticulously studied the positions of dancers, focusing on the tension, relaxation, and stretching of their muscles. These observations were then translated into a simplified graphic language, resulting in forms and silhouettes that became wearable objects.

What sets Dance Anatomy apart from other jewelry collections is its reinterpretation of the human body. The lines and shapes of the pieces are bionic, evoking images of organic creatures. The collection is 3D-printed in nylon, making the pieces both flexible and damage-resistant. Two of the three objects in the collection can be worn as either earrings or pendants, thanks to a simple replacement of the earwire with a lace or chain.

The creation of Dance Anatomy involved 3D-modelling and 3D printing in nylon, with silver earwire and textile lace. The design was visualized using the Rhinoceros software and the Tsplines plugin. The collection includes three objects, each with its own unique dimensions, and is available in two colors.

The Dance Anatomy project began in April 2019 in Moscow and was completed by the end of June 2019. It was exhibited in the Zveno jewelry shop and gallery. The design process was not without its challenges. The most difficult part was finding the right principle to translate a dancer's position into graphic language. After studying various aspects of dancing, including the geometry of different dance positions and the cinesphere of a dancing person, Zagaynova found the solution in the study of muscle behavior.

The Dance Anatomy collection is a testament to the power of research, creativity, and technical skill in design. It represents a successful attempt to capture the essence of contemporary dance in a wearable form. The collection's Platinum A' Design Award is a recognition of its exceptional design and innovative use of technology, contributing to societal wellbeing and pushing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ksenia Zagaynova
Image Credits: Ksenia Zagaynova
Project Team Members: Ksenia Zagaynova
Project Name: Dance Anatomy
Project Client: Ksenia Zagaynova


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