Digital Avatar Enables Ballerina with MND to Dance On Stage Again
Pioneering Performance in Amsterdam
Breanna Olson, a former professional dancer diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) two and a half years ago, has achieved a remarkable feat by performing on stage in Amsterdam via a mixed-reality avatar. ALS, the most prevalent form of motor neurone disease (MND), progressively weakens muscles, ultimately affecting speech, swallowing, and breathing. Despite the debilitating nature of her condition, Ms Olson's motor signals, captured from her brain, were translated into movements by a digital representation of herself.
The groundbreaking performance, held at the OBA Theatre in December, utilised an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset. Developed by Japanese tech firm Dentsu Lab in collaboration with data company NTT, this device recorded Ms Olson's brain activity and specific motor signals associated with imagined dance movements. A brainwave interface then converted these signals into real-time instructions, allowing her to control her avatar's choreography.
Reclaiming Expression and Hope
Ms Olson expressed profound joy at the experience, stating, "I never dreamed that I would be able to dance on stage again. It was just a beautiful and memorable moment I will remember for the rest of my life." This innovative project, named 'Waves of Will', is part of a broader initiative exploring how technology can restore personal expression, identity, and participation for those living with motor-degenerative diseases.
While acknowledging the technology's "quite challenging" nature, requiring intense focus to isolate muscles and filter external noise, Ms Olson affirmed its potential. "This is a new way of expression. To be able to move in a new way and a different way is just freeing." The developers aim to make such brainwave interfaces more accessible and affordable, potentially extending their use to other assistive devices like wheelchairs or remote controls. Ms Olson hopes her experience will inspire others with ALS, demonstrating the powerful capabilities of the mind and offering a beacon of hope.
