My research investigates the intersections of dance, technology, and cultural memory, focusing on how embodied knowledge is archived, transmitted, and reactivated through digital, material, and affective systems. I explore performance as a site of epistemological inquiry. Central to my work are projects such as Global Movement Research (GMR) and The Thinking Archive, which examine the transformation of archival practice through artificial embodied intelligence (AEI), motion capture, and ethical design. My broader interests include digital humanities, decolonial methodologies, AI and embodiment, cross-cultural movement analysis, and the creation of interactive archives that reconceive preservation as participation.
Sinclair Ogaga Emoghene
Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance
The University of Texas at Austin
Research Interests
Education
MFA in Dance, Choreography and Performance
2016
University of Maryland, College Park
Advisor: Karen Kohn Bradley. Committee: Karen Kohn Bradley (First Reader), Miriam Phillips (Second Reader), Sara Pearson (Third Reader), Patrick Widrig (Third Reader), Adrianne Fang (Committee Member)
BA with Honors in Theatre Arts
2007
Federal University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Major: Dance, Theatre, Acting, Costume and Directing
University Appointments
Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance (Tenure-Track)
2024–Present
The University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Professor of Dance and Choreography (Tenure-Track)
2019–2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Creative and Scholarly Works
Creative Labs
The Sensorium Project In Progress
2025–Present
Soft Robotics & Performance Research
Interdisciplinary collaboration exploring the intersection of soft robotics, haptic feedback systems, and live performance.
Global Movement Research Laboratory – Phase II
2024–Present
The University of Texas at Austin
Expansion of the GMR framework with new motion capture infrastructure, computational analysis tools, and the Dance Confluence ecosystem.
Global Movement Research Laboratory – Phase I
2023–2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Initial development of the Thinking Archive framework, QTC/SAM analysis methods, and pilot motion capture studies.
Creative Practices & Digital Works
The Dance Confluence
2024–Present
Interactive Web Application
A digital platform for exploring, comparing, and understanding movement traditions across cultures. Features 3D motion capture visualization, AI-powered analysis, and community contribution tools.
Choreography – Film
Ten Poem Project Award Winner
2026
Short Film – Choreographer & Director
Award-winning dance film exploring the intersection of poetry, movement, and visual storytelling.
Therapy
2021
Short Film – Choreographer
Screened at VCU Dance Now (Spring 2021). Virginia Commonwealth University.
Seeking Asylum
2018
Documentary Dance Film – Performer, Actor, and Dancer
Screened at major short film festivals internationally and nationally. Directed by Heather Hutt, produced by Taylor Kampia.
I'll Take My Chances
2011
Feature Film – Lead Choreographer
First feature length dance film in Nigeria (Nollywood History). Box office critically acclaimed choreography.
Choreography – Stage
Me Duniya
2025
Engineering & Choreography Collaboration
Interdisciplinary performance integrating mechanical engineering, robotic systems, and contemporary West African dance vocabulary.
Kaleidoscope of Tuts
2020
Concert Performance – Kennedy Center & VCU
Black History Month - Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. Also performed at Grace Street Theater, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Nyam Chiem – Reconstructing and Performing Nightmare
2016
Thesis Performance – University of Maryland
A Dance Research in Performance of Sleep Paralysis. Dance Theater, The Clarice – University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Site-Specific & Installations
The Sensorium Project Part II In Progress
2025
The University of Texas at Austin – Installation
Experimental Dance, Film, and Sound Design Collaboration
2024
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Richmond, Virginia
Installation & Film. Collaboration with Professor Stephen Vitiello. School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Facets of Esoterics Part II
2020
Exhibition/Installation – The Anderson, VCUArts
Week-long Installation & Exhibition. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
Facets of Esoterics Part I
2019
Installation and Residency – Office Hours at the REACH
Week-long Artist Residency. The REACH, The John F. Kennedy Center, Washington D.C. First dance artist to receive this national award ($10,000 unrestricted grant).
Publications
Books
"Global Movement Research: Dance Technology and Process Documentation" Under Review
Manuscript under review
A comprehensive exploration of the GMR framework, including methodological approaches, case studies, and implications for dance archives.
2023
Routledge – Co-author with Dr. Kathleen Spanos
An examination of cross-cultural movement analysis and the theoretical foundations of confluence theory in dance studies.
Media & Podcasts
Global Movement Research Podcast
2024–Present
Host & Producer
Articles & Chapters
"The Thinking Archive: An Immersive System for Ethical Exploration of Embodied Heritage" In Preparation
"The Nine Steps of Dance Replication" In Preparation
"The AEI Activation Framework: Toward Artificial Embodied Intelligence in Dance Research" In Preparation
Grants & Funding
External Awards
Kennedy Center Office Hours Award $10,000
2019
First dance artist selected for The Office Hours Award
The REACH, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C.
Internal Research Funding
College of Fine Arts Creative Research Grant $9,845
2024
The University of Texas at Austin
Faculty Research Grant
2022
Virginia Commonwealth University
Awards & Honors
Kennedy Center Office Hours Award
2019
First dance artist selected · $10,000
The REACH, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
NextLOOK Alumni Award
2016
University of Maryland Distinguished Award for Alumni of the Year
Unconventional Choreographic Performance and Dance Making - African Contemporary Dance
Ten Poem Project – Best Dance Film
2026
Film Festival Award
Teaching
New Course Development
West African Dance Traditions
2024
Undergraduate Technique – UT Austin
Thesis & Capstone Advising
Thesis & Capstone Advisor
Undergraduate and Graduate
10 students – VCU/UT Austin
Service
Service to the Field
American College Dance Festival (ACDA)
2025
Masterclass and Presentation
DanceFilmmaking
International Curator and Reviewer
Service to the University
Community Engagement Committee
2024–Present
Department of Theatre and Dance – UT Austin
Curriculum Committee
2020–2024
Department of Dance and Choreography – VCU
Affiliations
StepMate LLC
Sinclair Dance / WXYZ Art Factory
Congress on Research in Dance (CORD)
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Press & Media
2025
Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
LA Dance Chronicles
The Kennedy Center