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In the heart of ancient Nicosia, Cyprus, a team of innovative professors and research scientists is making waves in the world of virtual dance. According to a report to Asia Times, nestled near the city's medieval wall, they are crafting the largest database of 3D dancers, aiming to establish the world's first virtual museum of dance.
Led by Yiorgos Chrysanthou, the research director of CYENS, the team is dedicated to animating virtual humans with realism and emotion. Their journey began with modern dance, delving into capturing the essence of each movement and emotion.
Funded by the European Union, CYENS is a collaborative effort among Cyprus's public universities and international partners. What started as a small initiative in 2018 has blossomed into a center employing 145 experts in various research fields.
Andreas Aristidou, leading the charge with a PhD from Cambridge, spearheads the exploration into augmented reality dance. Their collection boasts diverse styles, from folk dances to contemporary ballet and martial arts.
The meticulous process involves motion capture, data cleaning, and avatar modeling, resulting in lifelike representations of dances from around the globe. Collaborations with local and international dance schools enrich their repertoire, with plans to expand into group and pair dances.
CYENS' groundbreaking work extends beyond preservation; it's a digital journey through cultural heritage. Through advanced visualization techniques, users will explore dance history in virtual, augmented, and interactive reality, making learning both entertaining and educational.
Despite operating on a modest budget, CYENS embodies Cyprus's potential as a hub of research and innovation. With a vision for a vibrant virtual dance museum, they're poised to captivate audiences worldwide.
[With information sourced from Asia Times]
