Dancer with ALS performs on stage using brainwaves to control digital avatar

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A dancer who faced a significant health challenge has made a remarkable comeback, performing on stage again by controlling a virtual character with her thoughts.

Breanna Olson, who lives with ALS, performed in a live show using technology that converts her thoughts into movement, despite the loss of her ability to move as she once did.

Brainwave tech lets dancer perform again despite ALS

With a special EEG headset from Dentsu, Olson’s brain activity was translated into movements for a digital avatar, letting her perform a virtual dance on stage without actually moving her body.

This system translates thoughts into action by reading brain activity related to movement. It figures out what the user intends to do, instantly converts that into digital instructions, and makes the avatar perform those actions.

Olson explained that performing the show in Amsterdam helped her rediscover her passion for dance, something she hadn’t been able to experience before.

She told the BBC she never thought she’d dance on stage again, describing it as a beautiful and unforgettable moment she’ll cherish forever.

Honestly, what really got me excited wasn’t just seeing the demonstration itself, but learning about how this technology could really help people. Researchers think similar systems could eventually let people with serious physical disabilities communicate or even move around more easily – that’s incredible to me!

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2026-04-12 17:18