Second Nature
First performance, Joyce Soho, NYC, 2002
(live dance performance)
Choreography: Anita Cheng
Video Design: Ronaldo Kiel
Software Design: John J.A Jannone
Music: Eric Querbach
Dancer: Meg Harper
Set & Lighting Design: Julie Ana Dobo
Costume Design: Yukie Moen
Duration: 14 minutes

Description: (see video documentation)
Second Nature is a study in real-time time-delay. In this piece by choreographer Anita Cheng, Guest Artist Meg Harper dances a duet with a life-sized projection of herself. But the image is delayed, through the computer, and therefore, she is constantly dancing with her own image of a few seconds past.

"Second Nature", incorporates live performance, a real-time processed video signal and a time-lapse, pre-recorded video projection. The video design is by Ronaldo Kiel. The software design is by interactive artist John J.A. Jannone. The audio is an original composition by DJ Eric Querbach. A digital camera placed to the side of the dance captures the live image, which is processed through a MAX/NATO program written by Jannone. The feed is then projected as video next to the dancer, allowing her to interact with her own image of a time delay set to exact increments ranging from zero to ten seconds. Artist Kiel’s front projection covers the stage which features video footage of rooftop views of Brooklyn and the New York City skyline shot from the window of his Brooklyn apartment. The shifting sunlight and clouds, which facet the building faces, create a live key over the performer and her image.