Lost Online
Lost Online is the relationship between dance and live digital technology. Examining how social media narratives — particularly those shaped by propaganda and polarised debate — influence the body.
Focusing on themes dominating online discourse, including immigration debates, global conflict, Social Media Consumption and discussions around Black British Culture.
Bringing dance artist, digital artists, and sound to investigate how social media narratives take hold of public consciousness — and how the body responds when constantly exposed to polarising, politicised, and emotionally charged content.
The work is not approached with answers, but as atmospheres — waves of information that shape behaviour, posture, rhythm, and emotional state.
The project mapping is used not simply as backdrop, but as an active dramaturgical tool — distorting scale, multiplying bodies, overlaying text-like visual textures, and simulating the overwhelming density of a social media feed.
Lost Online was Supported and developed through the 2026 Factory International Artist Takeover.
Scroll to bottom of page to see the journey supported by Dance consortia North West, Z-arts & HOME.
Creative Director/Choreographer: Chad Taylor
Digital Curator: Sean Clarke
Music Producer: Ezekiel Taylor ‘ZeekTheFreak’ & Chad Taylor
Sound Design: Joel Clements
Photos: Lee Baxter
​
Developed through Factory International Artist Takeover ​
​
Research - Dancers & Social Media
Through the DCNW Research Programme, Chad delivered a series of creative workshops with groups of young people from Shockout Arts and The ASH Company (Aim Sky High Dance). Working with a wide range of ages from 10-27 years, exploring ideas such as how having a smart phone present could influence a young person’s response to dance. Questioning if we “dance for others” – and, if we put our phones away, do “we dance for ourselves” as a form of social activity – and, to what extent do the different scenarios affect a dancer mentally.
Photo Credit: Tae Dahunsi
DCNW Research Process
Photo Credit: Tae Dahunsi
Digital film made for HOME'S HOMEMAKERS PROJECT 2020
