The integration of innovative dance education models with the preservation of traditional dance through digital platforms

Abstract

Background: Traditional Chinese dance, a vital form of intangible cultural heritage, faces significant challenges in its preservation and transmission within a rapidly modernizing, digital-first world. While digital technologies offer potential solutions, there is a need for a holistic framework that integrates high-fidelity preservation with effective, culturally sensitive pedagogical practices.
Objective: This study introduces and evaluates the "Digital Sutra," a novel framework that combines a bespoke digital platform with a blended learning model to address this challenge. The research aims to assess the efficacy of this integrated approach in enhancing skill acquisition, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting student engagement in the context of traditional Chinese dance education.
Methods: A 12-week mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 undergraduate dance students and 5 educators. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=30) using the Digital Sutra platform or a control group (n=30) following traditional instruction. The platform features a high-fidelity motion capture archive, a real-time 3D visualization engine, and an AI-powered feedback system. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention skill assessments, platform learning analytics, and semi-structured interviews.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all skill assessment categories compared to the control group. The mean gain in "Overall Performance" for the experimental group was 16.9 points, significantly greater than the 4.1-point gain for the control group (t(58) = 8.92, p < .001, Cohen's d = 2.30). Platform analytics revealed high student engagement, with an average weekly usage of 3.85 hours per student. Qualitative analysis of interview data indicated that students and educators perceived the platform as a highly effective tool for enhancing embodied understanding, personalizing practice, and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the integration of a high-fidelity digital platform with a blended learning model provides a robust and effective solution for both the preservation and transmission of traditional dance. The Digital Sutra framework offers a valuable model for the sustainable future of performing arts heritage, contributing significant insights to the fields of dance education, digital heritage, and human-computer interaction. This research demonstrates that technology can serve not merely as an archive, but as a dynamic and interactive conduit for living cultural traditions.