Presented as Ceci Sun’s Senior Capstone and Thesis Performance at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, 一 (yi) / oneness is a 45-minute evening-length production exploring the search for balance and alignment between the mind and body.
Philosophical & Choreographic Framework
Inspired by a dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophical perspectives, the choreographic framework integrates mind-body connections rooted in qigong principles with Western contemporary movement practices.
The performance traces a physical trajectory structured around the five stages of grief: denial, bargaining, anger, depression, and acceptance. Through shifting physical relationships, intuitive improvisation, and evolving landscapes, the four dancers pursue an equilibrium that remains perpetually in flux.
Interactive Technology
A central element of the production is a real-time interactive motion-tracking visual system designed by Suanna Zhong. Utilizing machine learning pose-estimation (MediaPipe/Bodypose) and computer vision, the system projects responsive, generative digital structures that extend the dancers’ physical gestures directly onto the stage canvas.
Atmosphere & Collaborative Design
Accompanied by evocative lighting design by Calder Sprinkle and a rich sound score mixed and arranged by Sun—featuring music by UVB-76, Ana Roxanne, and Nils Frahm. 一 (yi) / oneness functions as a deeply immersive study of transient alignment and shared consciousness.
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