New technologies like virtual reality and social media are opening up new ways of presenting and interacting with dancers, creators and performances. It is definitely an exciting and interesting time for the art-form and choreographer and former Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer Alexander Whitley, is pioneering the tech dance space with the launch of a dance virtual reality (VR) App.

Alexander Whitley and Natalie Allen in Pattern. Photo by Tristram Kenton

In this podcast episode, Alex explains how VR and dance work together and how audiences can see and experience his piece ‘Celestial Motion’ in a new and interactive way. Put on a VR headset and you can be on stage, you can look 360 degrees and get up close to the dancers.

Celestial Motion was adapted by Alex from his original stage production 8 Minutes, which received rave reviews when the piece premiered last year.

You can listen also to our podcast with Alex, which gives a deep insight into the intellectual foundations and creative process behind 8 Minutes.

Alexander Whitley – Frames

The Celestial Motion App was produced by The Guardian’s award-winning in-house VR team, and made in association with Sadler’s Wells.

Download The Guardian VR app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

PRESS PLAY.