Comparison of Kansei Information between Joyful and Happy Expressions in Dance

This research was designed to investigate the relationships between Kansei information and movement characteristics in dance. The purpose is to specify the parameters contributing to the perception and identification of joy and happiness from dance movements. Professional and expert dancers expressed joy and happiness without using facial expressions. For capturing and recording expressions, we used a 3D motion capture system and digital video cameras. There were 54 observers who rated 50 items of Kansei information in both expressions. The results showed the scores of Kansei information for joyful expressions—happy, dynamic, energetic, strong, accelerated, decelerated, extended, high, asymmetrical, fast, accented, big, down, and sudden—were higher than those for happy expressions. We calculated acceleration for kinematic features, and the results showed that acceleration in joyful expressions was higher than in happy expressions. Our findings demonstrated the differences in strength of movements and emotions between joyful and happy expressions in dance.