Resources & References

This page compiles key resources and references for the Brain Dance Game project. These materials provide the theoretical foundation, research basis, and technical guidance for the game's development.

Brain Dance Resources

Primary Sources

• Gilbert, Anne Green. Brain-Compatible Dance Education, 2nd edition. Human Kinetics, 2019. The definitive guide to Brain Dance methodology by its creator.

• Creative Dance Center Website: creativedance.org Official resource for Brain Dance training, materials, and research.

Brain Dance Patterns

The eight Brain Dance patterns, developed by Anne Green Gilbert (2000), form the core structure of the game:

1. Breath ("Oneness")

   • Movement rides on the flow of breath
   • Deep breaths out through the mouth, in through the nose
   • Image: wind

2. Tactile ("Sensing")

   • Sensory integration and bonding
   • Squeeze, tap, slap, brush, scratch, pat body
   • Image: hugs, raindrops

3. Core Distal ("Twoness")

   • Strong self and connection to others
   • Curl to core engaging core muscles, reach from the center out through distal ends
   • Image: starfish

4. Head Tail ("Lively spine")

   • Full use of spine, body/mind attitude
   • Bend, twist, wiggle whole spine
   • Image: puppy, kitty, snake

5. Upper Lower ("Grounding")

   • Reaching for goals setting boundaries
   • Stabilize one body half while moving other half
   • Image: tree in wind, ice skater

6. Body Side ("Choices")

   • Balancing brain and body sides / eye-tracking
   • Stabilize one side while moving other side
   • Image: bear walking

7. Cross Lateral ("Complexity")

   • Integration / 3D movements / eye-tracking
   • Move opposite quadrants or cross midline
   • Image: climbing a ladder

8. Vestibular ("Balance")

   • Proprioception and balance
   • Spin, tip, swing, sway, jump, balance
   • Image: top spinning

Eye Tracking (vertical, horizontal and near/far) may be included throughout the BrainDance.

Movement Research

Developmental Movement Theory

• Hackney, Peggy. Making Connections: Total Body Integration through Bartenieff Fundamentals. London: Routledge, 2002. Foundational text on developmental movement patterns and their integration.

• Neifert, Mary OTR/L. Author of School Participation information for Brain Dance (2014) Connects Brain Dance patterns to academic readiness and classroom participation.

Neuroscience and Movement

• Ratey, John. SPARK: The Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain. Research on how physical activity affects brain development and function.

• Johnson, Stephanie. Sage Education and Therapy, www.sageeducationcenter.com Resources on sensory integration and movement for therapeutic applications.

• Oliver, Janet. Reflex Basics for Learning and Development, www.planforlearning.com Information on primitive reflexes and their integration through movement.

Labanotation Resources

Labanotation is incorporated throughout the game interface as visual cues for movement. Key symbols include:

• Movement Actions: Any Action, Stillness, Rotation
• Movement Qualities: Flexion, Extension, Jump, Balance
• Directional Indicators: Forward, Away, Up/High, Down/Low, Middle/Horizontal

Accessibility Guidelines

Game Accessibility

• Game Accessibility Guidelines Comprehensive resource for making games accessible to players with diverse needs.

• RITEC-8 Framework for Children's Digital Wellbeing (UNICEF & The LEGO Group) Framework mapping how digital experiences affect children's wellbeing across eight dimensions:

  1. Competence
  2. Emotions
  3. Creativity
  4. Autonomy
  5. Identities
  6. Relationships
  7. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  8. Safety & Security

Neurodiversity Considerations

• Accessibility Considerations for Autism Guidelines for creating digital experiences that accommodate autism-specific needs.

• ADHD-Friendly Design Principles Resources for designing interfaces that support focus and engagement.

Technical Documentation

Motion Detection Resources

• Movement4Motion (m4m) Documentation Technical reference for the real-time pose detection and motion recording system.

• Depth Anything CLI Resources Documentation for the system that creates 3D depth-mapped visuals for movement analysis.

Game Development

• Unity Development Guides Reference materials for the Unity platform used in game development.

• Camera-Based Interaction Best Practices Technical guidance for implementing camera-based controls in games.

Project Documentation

Project Planning

• NJ Health Foundation Budget Justification Grant proposal detailing project rationale, objectives, and budget allocation.

• Brain Dance Game Design Document Comprehensive design specification for the game's structure and implementation.

User Research

• Brain Dance Game User Personas & Journeys Detailed profiles of target users and their expected interaction pathways.

• How Brain Dance Game Elements Address User Persona Needs Analysis of how specific game features meet identified user requirements.

Visual Design

• Brain Dance Game Visual Storyboard Visual representation of the game's interface and flow.

• Brain Dance Game Structure Flowchart Diagram of the game's component relationships and progression paths.

Contact Information

For questions about specific aspects of the project, please contact the appropriate team member:

• Dance Components: Natalie Schultz-Kahwaty, Mason Gross Dance

• Game Development: Richard Anderson & Michael Gradin, Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID)

• Music Composition: Aaron Vaders-Collins, PhD candidate in Music at RU School of Graduate Studies

• Research Participation: [Contact Information for Research Coordinator]

Acknowledgments

This project would not be possible without the foundational work of Anne Green Gilbert in developing the Brain Dance methodology, and the contributions of many professionals in the fields of dance, occupational therapy, game design, and music composition.

Special thanks to the NJ Health Foundation for providing funding support for this initiative.

How to Contribute

Individuals interested in contributing to the Brain Dance Game project can:

1. Participate in user testing sessions
2. Provide feedback on game elements
3. Share expertise in relevant domains (therapeutic movement, game design, etc.)
4. Suggest improvements or extensions to the current design

Please contact the project coordinator for more information on how to get involved.