Week 1: Dance Party Introduction

The overall Dance Party Project will span several weeks and is divided into smaller assignments. For instance, this week's assignment involves creating a character turnaround and selecting the music for your dance animation.

We'll discuss the character turnarounds and this week's assignment shortly. First, however, let's take a moment to gain a broader understanding of the overall project and how to get started.

STEP 1: Context

Let's First Look at Previous Student Examples

MAIN_REEL_v2.mp4

NatalievanGelder_DanceAnimation.mp4

JorjaParker_DanceAnimation.mp4

DanceParty_v2.mp4

gleixnersarah_7443_432429_dance party final anim.mp4

DeMaeyerKevin_DanceAnimation.mp4

gusakarina_10196_358391_ANIM228_01_F22_GusakArina_DanceParty.mov

haileyhaddock_danceanimation_vers2.mp4

thomashail_LATE_5613_434951_I2A_DanceParty_HT_FINAL.mp4

kemnarosalie_10892_432383_ANIM_228_01_S23_KemnaRosalie_Danceparty_Finishedanimation.mp4

aghassisamantha_7348_429965_ANIM228_01_S23_AghassiSamantha_FinishedDanceParty.mov

waltersgavin_LATE_7918_360719_ANIM228_01_F22_WaltersGavin_DanceParty.mp4.mp4

Historic Examples of Dancing in Animations

hayk_animation_dancin7.mp4

STEP 2: Find Reference

Find video reference that inspires your animation. You might explore TikTok for short, easily repeatable clips, or search YouTube for historic or retro dance examples. TikTok is particularly useful because the videos are brief and can be studied closely. Additionally, you can look at games like Fortnite, which feature looping dance animations. Finally, consider recording a video of yourself or a friend dancing for a personalized reference.

Here is an example where the animator used in-person reference with gesture drawings studying movement.

STEP 3: Create Character Turnaround for Week 2

For Week 2, have turnarounds ready of your character. The assignment will require that you have at least three drawings included in the turnaround (front, side, and a 3/4 angle). Create the turnarounds in color. No matter how simple or complicated your character, having these turnarounds will be a useful asset for your animation process.

Previous Student Work on the Dance Party Turnarounds

Professional Character Turnaround Examples

Here is a link to a great website that contains examples of concept art from famous TV and movies:

Character Design Reference Website (Link)

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