The Application of Virtual Reality in Folk Dance Teaching in Shanxi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/mr2025198Keywords:
Virtual Reality (VR), Folk Dance Education, Shanxi Cultural Heritage, Dance Learning Systems, User EngagementAbstract
Introduction: Folk dance holds a vital place in the cultural heritage of Shanxi, reflecting deep-rooted traditions, regional diversity, and community identity. However, urbanization, changing lifestyles, and declining adolescent interest make it increasingly difficult to preserve and transmit this art form to future generations.
Objective: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in enhancing the instruction and learning of Shanxi folk dance.
Method: A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 265 students from various educational institutions in Shanxi Province. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group received VR-based folk-dance instruction, while the control group underwent traditional face-to-face teaching. A pre-test and post-test assessment framework evaluated dance performance, cultural knowledge retention, and learning engagement. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods, including paired sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA to compare mean differences between groups.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in dance skill acquisition (M = 87,4, SD = 5,9) compared to the control group (p < 0,001). Retention of cultural knowledge also improved more in the VR group (p=0,003) A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between teaching method and student engagement levels (p=0,014). Qualitative feedback indicated that VR learners experienced increased motivation, autonomy, and cultural appreciation.
Conclusions: VR-based instruction effectively enhances technical dance skills and fosters cultural immersion. The research recommends integrating VR tools into folk dance curricula to modernize heritage education and improve accessibility for younger generations.
References
[1] Xiu, Y., Liu, X., Yuan, Y., Zhao, H. and Zhang, C., 2023. A new method of dance rhythm training based on an immersive cave automatic virtual environment. IEEE Access, 11, pp.109422-109434.https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3317886
[2] Li, Q., 2024. Research on the integration and innovation of culture and tourism in dance performances in Xi'an, China during the historical evolution process. Herança, 7(1), pp.21-32. https://doi.org/10.52152/heranca.v7i1
[3] Ouyang, L., Zhang, S., Zhu, S., Liu, Z. and Li, J., 2024. Digital technology in tourism dance performance: exploring the influence of tourists’ flow experience and meaningful experience on revisit intention. Ieee Access, 12, pp.46347-46361.https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3382291
[4] Boboc, R.G., Băutu, E., Gîrbacia, F., Popovici, N. and Popovici, D.M., 2022. Augmented reality in cultural heritage: an overview of the last decade of applications. Applied Sciences, 12(19), p.9859.https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199859
[5] Chan, J.C., Leung, H., Tang, J.K. and Komura, T., 2010. A virtual reality dance training system using motion capture technology. IEEE transactions on learning technologies, 4(2), pp.187-195.https://doi.org/10.1109/TLT.2010.27
[6] Kyan, M., Sun, G., Li, H., Zhong, L., Muneesawang, P., Dong, N., Elder, B. and Guan, L., 2015. An approach to ballet dance training through mskinect and visualization in a cave virtual reality environment. ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology (TIST), 6(2), pp.1-37.https://doi.org/10.1145/2735951
[7] Chen, W., 2022. Research on the design of intelligent music teaching system based on virtual reality technology. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2022(1), p.7832306.https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7832306
[8] Zhu, A. and Gee, L.P., 2025. Technological Innovation and Classical Dance Education: Application and Impact of Digital Tools in Teaching. Educational Innovation Research, 3(1), pp.50-55.https://doi.org/10.18063/eir.v3i1.618
[9] Zhang, L., Wang, Y., Tang, Z., Liu, X. and Zhang, M., 2023. A virtual experience system of bamboo weaving for sustainable research on intangible cultural heritage based on VR technology. Sustainability, 15(4), p.3134.https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043134
[10] Nie, X., Xie, Y., Xie, X. and Zheng, L., 2022. The characteristics and influencing factors of the spatial distribution of intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin of China. Heritage Science, 10(1), p.121..https://doi.org/10.3508/HS101121
[11] Li, J., He, M., Yang, Z. and Siu, K.W.M., 2025. Anthropological Insights into Emotion Semantics in Intangible Cultural Heritage Museums: A Case Study of Eastern Sichuan, China. Electronics, 14(5), p.891.https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14050891
[12] Sarupuri, B., Kulpa, R., Aristidou, A. and Multon, F., 2024. Dancing in virtual reality as an inclusive platform for social and physical fitness activities: a survey. The Visual Computer, 40(6), pp.4055-4070.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61134-y
[13] Min, L., 2022. Application of Cloud Service‐Oriented Heterogeneous Execution Scheduling and VR Technology in Dance Video Teaching. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2022(1), p.5084230.https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5084230
[14] Zhang, D., 2024. Research on dance art teaching system based on data mining and machine learning. Computer-Aided Design and Applications, 21(S2), pp.54-68.https://doi.org/10.14733/cadaps.2024.S2.54-68
[15] Li, H. and Wu, D., 2025. Research on the Significance, Current Situation and Path of Non-genetic Inheritance in the Teaching of National Folk Dance in Colleges and Universities under the Background of Historical Culture. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 25(2)556-564.https://doi.org/10.1433/AA..2025. 556-564
[16] Amil, C., Ompoc, H.M. and Valencia, R., 2024. Perceived Effect of Virtual Reality Headset on Students’ Dancing Performance. ACPES Journal of Physical Education, Sport, and Health (AJPESH), 4(1), pp.10-17.https://doi.org/10.15294/ajpesh.v4i1.6546
[17] Dimarucot, H.C., 2022. A flipped learning model in a college physical education dance course: A non-experimental design. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 10(2), pp.264-272.:https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2022.100217
[18] Cahyono, A.N., Masrukan, M., Albar, W.F., Lavicza, Z. and Burnard, P., 2025. Creativity in designing virtual STEAM tasks with artificial intelligence mathematical dance. SN Computer Science, 6(2), p.98.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Bowen Zhang , Sri Ningsih Sukirman , Sharip Zainal Bin Sagkif Shek (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.
