An investigative project on redesigning the instructional manual for foxtrot dancing
With the ballroom dancing craze sweeping across UK, this project aims to redesign and reinterpret the current instructional manual for foxtrot dancing. Basic foxtrot steps were identified, and a London tube map inspired modular design language of symbols was designed in replace of the current instructions that is made up of footsteps and arrows. The instructional manual was redesigned such that the instructions for the male dancer can be changed into that for a female dancer by rotating it 180 degrees. This allows the dancing couple to read the manual together while they learn the dance facing each other.
Elements of Chinese calligraphy are also infused into the modular symbols to bring out the fluidity of foxtrot. The symbols are then mapped onto an architectural terrain that portrays the rise and fall of the dance.
A three dimensional quality is added to the basic foxtrot grid pattern when a tapestry of paper strips are used to visualise the flow of the foxtrot dance. The paper tapestry is inspired by how lines of different curvatures are used to chart different long haul or short domestic air flight routes. A thick, low strip of paper signifies a heavy and slow step while a thin, high strip conveys a quick and light step.
Romantic shades of lilac and pink are used to accentuate the mood of the foxtrot dance, and the tapestry of foxtrot-inspired pattern is translated onto a cylindrical lampshade, casting tinges of spiraled pink hues onto the walls.
