Shy on the dance floor? Virtual reality 'partners' aim to help you find your groove
A new virtual reality app called Dance Guru uses motion-capture technology and a digital coach to help beginners learn dance steps at home. The app aims to lower the barrier to entry for those intimidated by traditional dance lessons.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing application of VR technology in personal development and skill acquisition beyond gaming.
Wedding season is in full swing, bringing with it a familiar sense of dread for anyone who fears the dance floor.
But relief may finally be at hand with the help of a new app, Dance Guru , and a virtual reality (VR) headset.
The social dance instruction app transports users to a spacious, digital dance studio. Waiting inside is a computer-generated coach: a handsome, male avatar wearing a shirt open to his navel. He speaks with a slightly gravelly English accent.
"Watch me now," he instructs at the start of a waltz lesson — which NPR tried out at the Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, Calif., an annual conference showcasing the latest developments in virtual and augmented reality.
The avatar then demonstrates a basic box step.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in