SALTO: A System for Musical Expression in the Aerial Arts

Wearable sensor technology and aerial dance movement can be integrated to provide a new performance practice and perspective on interactive kinesonic composition. SALTO (Sonic Aerialist eLecTrOacoustic system), is a system which allows for the creation of collaborative works between electroacoustic composer and aerial choreographer. The system incorporates aerial dance trapeze movement, sensors, digital synthesis, and electroacoustic composition. In SALTO, the Max software programming environment employs parameters and mapping techniques for translating the performer's movement and internal experience into sound. Splinter (2016), a work for aerial choreographer/performer and the SALTO system, highlights the expressive qualities of the system in a performance setting.