Brainwaves Power Ballerina's Avatar Dance, Restoring Hope for ALS Patients

Breakthrough technology enables Breanna Olson to reclaim her passion for dance through a digital avatar controlled by her thoughts.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, flat colors depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interplay of neural signals and digital avatar movements, conveying the structural order of the human mind and its ability to transcend physical limitations.Brainwaves become the choreographer, restoring hope and autonomy for those living with debilitating diseases.Buffalo Today

Breanna Olson, a ballerina living with ALS, has found a way to dance again through a brainwave-powered avatar developed by Dentsu Lab and NTT. The EEG headset captures her motor signals associated with imagined dance movements and translates them into real-time actions for the digital avatar, reigniting her sense of identity and inspiring others with degenerative diseases.

Why it matters

This technology not only enables physical movement but also restores a sense of self for individuals whose bodies have been ravaged by disease. It challenges our understanding of what it means to express oneself when the physical form fails, offering hope and autonomy to those living with disabilities.

The details

The EEG headset used in this project, part of the Waves of Will initiative, is designed to be more accessible and affordable than most brainwave technologies. Breanna described the process as 'quite challenging,' requiring intense focus to isolate the correct muscle signals. This mirrors the broader struggle of living with disability, where adapting and fighting just to exist in a world not built for you becomes a daily reality.

  • Breanna Olson, a ballerina living with ALS, first danced her avatar in Amsterdam in 2026.

The players

Breanna Olson

A ballerina living with ALS who has found a way to dance again through a brainwave-powered avatar.

Dentsu Lab

The technology company that developed the EEG headset used in the Waves of Will initiative.

NTT

The telecommunications company that collaborated with Dentsu Lab on the brainwave interface technology.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We can do more than we think we can.”

— Breanna Olson, Ballerina

“Most brainwave technologies are prohibitively expensive. This project aims to democratize such tools, which could be a game-changer for millions.”

— Naoki Tanaka, Dentsu Lab

“We're not just talking about restoring hobbies; we're talking about restoring autonomy. Imagine a world where your thoughts could navigate your environment, where the boundaries of your body no longer dictate the limits of your life.”

— Mariko Nakamura, NTT

What’s next

The developers of the Waves of Will initiative plan to further integrate the brainwave technology into assistive devices like wheelchairs and remote controls, expanding its potential to revolutionize daily life for people with disabilities.

The takeaway

This story highlights how innovation can restore a sense of identity and autonomy for those facing debilitating conditions. While the technology is groundbreaking, the true power lies in its ability to reframe disability as a starting point for human ingenuity and resilience, challenging us to rethink what's possible when the mind is empowered.