Case Western Reserve University: How LiDAR and Holographic Tech Transformed a Live Dance Performance
How Quanergy 3D LiDAR tracking turned choreography into a control interface for Quest: The Legacy of the Odyssey.
A Live Dance Production Built on Spatial Computing
The Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University premiered Quest: The Legacy of the Odyssey, a groundbreaking dance production that redefined the boundaries of live performance. This ambitious work, created by Gary Galbraith, Artistic Director of Dance, merged ancient Mayan mythology with spatial computing and AI technologies, including Quanergy’s 3D LiDAR tracking, Microsoft’s HoloLens, 3D-audio surround sound, and holographic visuals.
The result was an immersive experience that invited the audience to step directly into the mythic narrative, blurring the line between viewer and performer.
Placing the Audience Inside the Story
Galbraith’s creative ambition was to take audiences beyond traditional stagecraft to place them within the story of Quest, a tale of resilience and vengeance inspired by the Popol Vuh, the Mayan creation myth. To achieve this, the team had to:
- Deliver a synchronized, real-time immersive experience to nearly 100 audience members.
- Track performer movement with high accuracy across a dynamic stage.
- Merge live choreography with responsive holographic elements.
- Synchronize audio, lighting, and visuals in response to performer gestures.
Traditional production tools were insufficient for the task.
Spatial Intelligence Meets Storytelling
To make this visionary performance possible, the creative team integrated a multi-technology system:
- Quanergy’s AI-powered 3D LiDAR location tracking enabled precise, real-time motion capture of performers, driving dynamic changes to lighting, sound, and holographic visuals.
- Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headsets, worn by every audience member, projected volumetric 3D imagery directly into the performance space, including digital trees, fireflies, and mythological props.
- 3D-audio and surround sound created an immersive soundscape tuned to each viewer’s position and perspective.
- Traditional stage projection was blended into the experience for visual layering and ambience.
This sophisticated fusion allowed the stage to react to dancers in real time, turning choreography into a control interface for the entire production environment.
What LiDAR Made Possible on Stage
An Audience Inside the Myth
Audience members described Quest as:
“Mesmerizing… like stepping into a world of myth and light.”
“A fully immersive narrative where dance, music, and visuals were inseparable.”
“Unlike anything we’ve ever seen on stage.”
For dancers, the experience was transformative. Movement no longer served just expression; it became a trigger for action, for transformation, for storytelling. As one performer put it:
“Instead of performing for the audience, it felt like we were in the story, part of something bigger.”
“This is a first-of-its-kind application, developed in collaboration with experts from physics, holography, and other disciplines. By combining immersive visualization with surround sound and integrating LiDAR to spatially move audio, we’ve created a truly unique and immersive dance theater experience.”
Conclusion: Performing Arts Meet Spatial Computing
Quest at Case Western wasn’t just a performance; it was a technological leap. By integrating LiDAR spatial tracking with holographic visuals and immersive audio, the production broke new ground in how dance, myth, and tech can merge into a singular artistic expression.
This case stands as a shining example of how LiDAR can extend beyond security and automation, empowering creative disciplines like performing arts to reach new dimensions of engagement, control, and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was 3D LiDAR used in Quest at Case Western?
Quanergy 3D LiDAR tracked performers in real time across the stage. Their position and movement drove changes to lighting, sound, and holographic visuals, so choreography became a control interface for the production.
What did the audience experience?
Every audience member wore a Microsoft HoloLens headset that projected volumetric 3D imagery into the performance space, while 3D audio and surround sound were tuned to each viewer’s position.
Does LiDAR capture images of the performers?
No. Quanergy 3D LiDAR captures 3D points, not images or faces. It measures position and movement, which is what the production needed to trigger effects.
Which technologies were combined in the production?
Quanergy 3D LiDAR tracking, Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headsets, 3D audio and surround sound, and traditional stage projection.
Can 3D LiDAR be used in other performances and interactive installations?
Yes. The same real-time tracking powers live performance, interactive walls, immersive rooms and public art. See interactive art with 3D LiDAR.
Bring movement into your production
Tell us about your stage, installation or venue. Our team will map sensor placement and how tracking data feeds your show control or content system.
Talk to a Quanergy ExpertInteractive art with LiDARRelated Resources
Interactive Art and Immersive Experiences with 3D LiDAR
How 3D LiDAR powers interactive walls, immersive rooms and live performance.
Explore the application →AllianceBernstein Dreamwall
Three 3D LiDAR sensors drive generative art along 240 feet of LED in New York.
Read case study →Interactive Exhibit at a Major NYC Museum
Privacy-first visitor interaction driven by Q-TRACK 3D LiDAR.
Read case study →