Shanshan Zhang

Biography

Shanshan Zhang is a doctoral candidate in Dance and Technology at the University of the Arts London, where her research explores the intersection of dance, technology, and embodied cognition. As a transdisciplinary artist and scholar, her work bridges choreography, improvisation, somatic practices, and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of movement. Her research investigates how digital tools, such as VR, can transform dance creation, performance, and education, while also examining the interplay between virtual and physical spaces in choreography.

Zhang’s creative practice is deeply rooted in both Eastern and Western dance traditions, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and the development of "persona" in performance. Her research project PERSONA (2023) explored the construction of complex characters and narratives through movement, utilizing Practice as Research (PAR) methodologies to investigate the relationship between identity, self-awareness, and choreography. This work has inspired applications of persona theory across diverse fields, offering new insights into the role of embodied identity in artistic and educational contexts.

Her scholarly contributions include publications on choreographic practices, dance theory, and the integration of technology in dance. Notably, her paper Exploring Augmented Reality in Dance: Transformative Experiences and Collaborative Learning (2024) examines the potential of AR to enhance collaborative learning and creative expression in dance.

Zhang’s research has been presented at international conferences, including the 5th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries (ICEIPI 2024), where she discussed the philosophical foundations of dance theory and its implications for contemporary practice. Her work has also been supported by her involvement in prestigious projects, such as directing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 14th National Games of the People’s Republic of China (2021), where she showcased innovative staging techniques and large-scale choreography.

Zhang is currently developing a series of transdisciplinary performances that integrate VR with live dance, exploring how digital environments can enhance audience engagement and expand the possibilities of choreographic expression. Her work aims to create immersive experiences that challenge traditional notions of space, presence, and interaction in performance.

Her manuscript, Embodied Cognition in Dance: Bridging Theory and Practice, delves into the philosophical and neuroscientific foundations of movement, offering a critical analysis of how embodied practices shape creativity and identity in dance. This work builds on her extensive research in improvisation, somatic practices, and the integration of technology in performance.