project : Distance Disco

Distance Disco

description

Distance Disco is both a virtual dance floor and an experimental research space. At its core Distance Disco stimulates physical interaction and creates an exciting game around unexpected encounters with others. At the same time it is a powerful research tool for experimenting with the possibilities of a COVID-future space and online group interactions.

Launched in March 2020, it took place every Friday during the first lockdown in The Netherlands and was open to anyone with a computer, a webcam and some serious dance moves. To be clear, Distance Disco is not just a group of people dancing in front of their webcams. The site, its architecture, and its dedicated group of followers represent 1) a collective expression of frustration against pandemic restrictions, and 2) the joy of connecting with others and dancing right through it. The small group of dancing regulars always show up whenever there’s a party, often with a fantastic collection of props and outfits. The online dance floor is hosted on the open-source video conferencing tool Jitsi, and the entire site pulsates with energy and colour!

One thing sets Distance Disco apart from other online dance parties – the game element built into the site. There is always one other person in this dance party who dances to the same song as you. Find that person, enter their code, score points and connect with your dance partner! A digital scoreboard lets everyone know who is in the lead – then the competition becomes intense. Besides the dancing and gameplay, a chat function on the site buzzes with messages throughout the party.

CREDIT: DuoDisco (Mark Meeunwenoord, Arjan Scherpenisse & Klasien van de Zandschulp), graphic design by TIN.