Chippewa Valley Times

UW-Stout students from diverse disciplines recently came together to merge fashion, dance, and video game design in an innovative collaboration. The partnership between the game design and fashion design programs at UW-Stout resulted in the creation of two unique projects that showcased the talents of the students involved.

Alayna Reps and Izzy Swanson, members of the Blue Devils dance team, played a crucial role in bringing the virtual reality rhythm game, Boogie Beyond, to life. They collaborated with a team of students on choreographing dances and capturing motion in UW-Stout's state-of-the-art Vicon Motion Capture Studio. Samantha Ziwicki, the dance team's Head Coach, also worked with fashion design and development senior Reem Emerson to design new costumes for a winter jazz routine, Stand in the Light.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ziwicki praised the dance team's contribution, stating, "The characters wouldn't have come to life nearly as much if it weren't for their talent." Swanson shared her experience from the motion capture studio, calling it "an experience to remember" as they danced to the music and saw their moves integrated into the game by the design team.

Following the creation of Boogie Beyond, the students are excited to showcase their work at the upcoming Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin's premier game developers’ event. The expo, scheduled for May 2, will provide a platform for the students to present their innovative virtual reality game to a wider audience.

In a separate venture, Emerson, a freelance designer and bridal consultant, was commissioned to design custom dance costumes for the Blue Devils dance team. Through meticulous design and hand-sewn craftsmanship, Emerson created 20 unique costumes that were worn during the team's winter jazz routine. The costumes, characterized by a blend of elegance and functionality, received acclaim for their intricate details and thoughtful construction.

Emerson, who also has a degree in industrial design from UW-Stout, expressed her gratitude for the project, stating, "Taking on the dancewear project was much more than sewing beautiful costumes. It helped give me career options that I never knew I could have." Her success in this endeavor has opened up new opportunities for her as she prepares to graduate and pursue full-time positions in the industry.

The collaboration between the design students at UW-Stout exemplifies the spirit of innovation and creativity that thrives within the university's diverse academic programs. By bridging the gap between different disciplines, students are not only pushing the boundaries of their own expertise but also creating unique and impactful projects that resonate with audiences across various fields.