Neural Correlates of Emotional Expression and Cognitive Processes in Odissi Dance: Implications for Real-Time Biofeedback Systems

Saanvi Tripathy

Abstract: This study explores the neural and cognitive mechanisms behind emotional expression in Odissi, one of India's oldest classical dance forms. Drawing from neuroaesthetics, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence (AI), the research examines how dance integrates memory, attention, emotion, and motor skills. Using AI-assisted tools-OpenPose for motion tracking, Google Teachable Machine for facial emotion recognition, and Python's NLTK/VADER for sentiment analysis-we analyzed real-time performances of 20 participants, including expert Odissi dancers and non-dancers as controls. Expert dancers demonstrated significantly higher motor-emotional coordination, with 87.2% accuracy in facial emotion recognition and distinct movement patterns closely aligned with emotional intent. In contrast, control participants showed lower synchronization and expressive accuracy. This is the first study to apply AI-based analysis to Odissi for real-time performance feedback. The findings highlight how specific movement and expression patterns are linked to underlying cognitive and emotional processing. These insights lay the groundwork for real-time biofeedback systems, with potential applications in dance pedagogy, cognitive training, and therapeutic rehabilitation.

Keywords: Odissi dance, neuroaesthetics, AI motion analysis, emotional expression, cognitive feedback, movement and cognition

How to Cite?: Saanvi Tripathy, "Neural Correlates of Emotional Expression and Cognitive Processes in Odissi Dance: Implications for Real-Time Biofeedback Systems", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1736-1739, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25829150645, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25829150645