Computer Generated Lines Gracefully Map the Delicate Movements of a Ballet Dancer

Ballet Dancer Ballet Rotoscope

Gif via Reddit

This beautiful short film, titled Ballet Rotoscope and created by Tokyo-based design group EUPHRATES, illustrates the delicate movements of a ballet dancer. As the ballerina moves, different points on her body are traced by a computer-generated technique called rotoscoping, to reveal the geometric beauty of dance.

Rotoscoping is a method that is often used for visual effects in live-action movies. The animator creates a silhouette, called a matte, that can be used to clip an object from a scene, which can then be artificially pasted onto a different background. However, in EUPHRATES’ film, the matte lines are left visible, and seem to have a life of their own. At times they detach from the points they trace, creating a choreographed relationship with the ballerina.

As the film begins, we see a collection of geometric shapes within which the ballerina is then revealed and concealed in a series of fades. As the piece progresses, she appears to draw curved lines in the air and collect “sticks” as she moves across the studio floor. Towards the end of the performance, she leaps gracefully into shapes that perfectly match her seemingly pre-determined form, attaching to her like an elastic net. Finally, the piece concludes with a flurry of orbital movements, tracing a visual prelude to her final pose.

Ballet Rotoscope is an experimental that reveals the geometric beauty of dance through a computer-generated technique known as rotoscoping.

Ballet Rotoscope Animation by EUPHRATES

Ballet Rotoscope Animation by EUPHRATES

Ballet Rotoscope Animation by EUPHRATES

Ballet Rotoscope Animation by EUPHRATES

Watch Japanese design group EUPHRATES’ Ballet Rotoscope:

EUPHRATES: Website | Twitter
h/t: [kottke]

All images via Ballet Rotiscope video.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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