Modified Deep Pattern Classifier on Indonesian Traditional Dance Spatio-Temporal Data

Traditional dances, like those of Indonesia, have complex and unique patterns requiring accurate cultural preservation and documentation classification. However, traditional dance classification methods often rely on manual analysis and subjective judgment, which leads to inconsistencies and limitations. This research explores a modified deep pattern classifier of traditional dance movements in videos, including Gambyong, Remo, and Topeng, using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Evaluation model's performance using a testing spatio-temporal dataset in Indonesian traditional dance videos is performed. The videos are processed through frame-level segmentation, enabling the CNN to capture nuances in posture, footwork, and facial expressions exhibited by dancers. Then, the obtained confusion matrix enables the calculation of performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-score. The results showcase a high accuracy of 97.5%, indicating the reliable classification of the dataset. Furthermore, future research directions are suggested, including investigating advanced CNN architectures, incorporating temporal information through recurrent neural networks, exploring transfer learning techniques, and integrating user feedback for iterative refinement of the model. The proposed method has the potential to advance dance analysis and find applications in dance education, choreography, and cultural preservation

Roots Reloaded. Culture, Identity and Social Development in the Digital Age

This edited volume is designed to explore different perspectives of culture, identity and social development using the impact of the digital age as a common thread, aiming at interdisciplinary audiences. Cases of communities and individuals using new technology as a tool to preserve and explore their cultural heritage alongside new media as a source for social orientation ranging from language acquisition to health-related issues will be covered. Therefore, aspects such as Art and Cultural Studies, Media and Communication, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Philosophy and innovative approaches used by creative individuals are included. From the Aboriginal tribes of Australia, to the Maoris of New Zealand, to the mystical teachings of Sufi brotherhoods, the significance of the oral and written traditions and their current relation to online activities shall be discussed in the opening article. The book continues with a closer look at obesity awareness support groups and their impact on social media, Facebook usage in language learning context, smartphone addiction and internet dependency, as well as online media reporting of controversial ethical issues. The Digital progress has already left its dominating mark as the world entered the 21st century. Without a doubt, as technology continues its ascent, society will be faced with new and altering values in an effort to catch-up with this extraordinary Digitization, adapt satisfactorily in order to utilize these strong developments in everyday life

Translated traditions: A comparative ethnography of traditional dance in the Irish and Croatian communities in Sydney, Australia

This comparative ethnography investigates the traditional dance practices of the Irish and Croatian communities in Sydney, Australia. Transnationalism theory affords the means through which to examine the multiple ways in which individuals and groups have forged, and continue to participate in, fields of engagement across national borders. The study situates the immigrant groups within the context of multicultural Australia, and additionally references the theoretical paradigms of cultural identity, diaspora studies, nostalgia theory and ethnochoreology. The research entailed detailed case studies of three dance groups from each of the immigrant communities under investigation. Data were gathered through ethnographic fieldwork conducted in dance classes and special events over two years and interviews with 100 participants. Emergent themes revealed participants’ agency in multiple transnational spaces including, at a personal level, cultural identity, emotional attachment and embodied signification. Themes relating to structural and functional fields were the global organisational frameworks, patterns of pedagogical practice and flows of material goods. The final theme was transnational representation through public performances of dance. The research revealed that participation in traditional dance was an important means through which immigrants may perpetuate links with their ancestral birthplace. Strong affective bonds with that former homeland were noted amongst the large majority of respondents. Dance was also identified as an important signifier of cultural belonging amongst members of both communities. Additionally, the study acknowledged that transnational engagements were not the sole province of immigrants, but also included those who have merely affiliated themselves with a traditional dance genre

Patches of Survival in the Anthropocene:Melancholy and Ecstasy within Go_A's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest Performance of "SHUM" (ШУМ)

This article examines the Ukrainian electro-folk band Go_A and their multimedial performances of “SHUM” created for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. We highlight how Go_A’s performances feature an aesthetics of ecstasy and melancholia despite ongoing damage within Anthropogenic late capitalism. We compare two versions of the song, exposing critical contexts for the group’s local, transmedial, and international reception. Informed by musicological, eco-critical, post-humanist, historical, and feminist frameworks, our analyses meander through exploratory patches employing concepts such as borderland epistemologies, interspecies connectivity, the gaze, and hyperobjectivity. These juxtapositions reveal how, rather than the sensorial experience of radioactivity as hyperobject, “SHUM” promotes ecologically attuned survival strategies such as the re-integration of “wild” singing styles and ecstatic rituals. “Survival” is understood hereby as a form of resistance that evades the pitfalls of neoliberal resilience. Ultimately, through a participatory aesthetics, Go_A’s multimedial performance of “SHUM” invites audiences to imagine a regenerative ecology of survival in the damaged post-apocalypse

Ati, the Indigenous People of Panay: Their Journey, Ancestral Birthright and Loss

This research investigates the Ati people, the indigenous people of Panay Island, Philippines— their origins, current economic status, ancestral rights, development issues, and challenges. This particular inquiry draws attention to the history of the Ati people ( also known as Aetas, Aytas, Agtas, Batak, Mamanwa ) as the first settlers of the islands. In contrast to this, a festive reenactment portraying Ati people dancing in the tourism sponsored Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan festival will be explored. This paper aims to compare the displacement of the Ati as marginalized minorities in contrast to how they are celebrated and portrayed in the dance festivals

Soviet Bodies in Canadian Dancesport: Cultural Identities, Embodied Politics, and Performances of Resistance in Three Canadian Ballroom Dance Studios

This research examines the effect of Soviet Union era indoctrination on dance pedagogy and performance at DanceSport studios run by Soviet migrants in Canada. I investigate the processes of cultural cross-pollination within this population through an analysis of first and second generation Soviet-Canadian ballroom dancers experiences with cultural identity within the dance milieu. My study is guided by questions such as: What are the differences in the relationship between national politics and dance in the Soviet Union and Canada? How have Soviet migrant dancers adapted to the Canadian socio-economic context? And, how did these cultural shifts affect the teaching and performances of these dancers? My positionality as a former Soviet citizen and a ballroom dancer facilitates my understanding of the intricacies of this community and affords me unique entry into their world. To contextualize this study, I conducted an extensive literature review dealing with Soviet physical education, diasporic identities, and embodied politics. I then carried out qualitative interviews and class observation of Soviet- Canadian competitive ballroom dancers at three studios in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal. The research conducted for this dissertation revealed various cultural adaptation strategies applied by these dancers, resulting in the development of dual identities combining characteristics from both Soviet and Canadian cultures. My analysis of the data contributes original information to the fields of dance studies and pedagogy, migration studies, and cultural studies. The results of this study can act as a guide in the development of arts management, education, and cultural integration policies in Canada, fostering a creative dialogue between dancers, academics, and policy makers