Study Finds Brainwaves Synchronize During Live Dance Performances

A recent study published in iScience reveals that live dance performances can cause synchronized brain activity among viewers, highlighting the social and immersive nature of live art. Researchers from University College London (UCL) and collaborating institutions integrated EEG technology into theatrical settings to explore how the brain responds to the experience of live performance versus recorded viewing.

In the study, 59 audience members wore EEG headsets while watching three live performances of the contemporary dance piece Detective Work, choreographed by Seke Chimutengwende. These live shows took place in a theater environment, closely replicating the audience’s typical experience. Additionally, the researchers compared brain activity when participants watched a video recording of the same performance, either collectively in a cinema or alone in a lab.

The findings indicated that during live performances, viewers’ brainwaves synchronized within the delta frequency band. This slow wave brain activity, normally linked to social processing and internal thought, was especially pronounced during moments when performers made direct eye contact with the audience. Interestingly, such synchronized activity was less evident when viewers watched the recording alone, but still occurred when watching the recording in a shared theater setting, emphasizing the importance of social presence—referred to as "social liveness"—in shared artistic experiences.

Furthermore, the study uncovered that engagement levels could be predicted based on choreographer Seke Chimutengwende’s anticipation of engaging scenes. Audience synchronization peaked during these moments, demonstrating a measurable link between artistic intent and viewer attention. Researchers suggest that while art is often viewed as subjective, aspects of engagement can be measured and predicted, especially within a social context.

The implications of this research extend beyond understanding art perception. The team aims to expand this study globally, utilizing improved EEG technology to facilitate large-scale and dynamic data collection. They believe that such insights can deepen our understanding of how collective experiences influence brain activity, underscoring the inherently social aspects of live performance arts.

This research underscores the significance of shared experience in the arts, revealing that the social environment plays a crucial role in how we engage and connect during live performances. It also suggests that the magic of live art is rooted not only in the performance itself but in the social bonds and presence that accompany it.