It is truly a novel experience, being immersed in the festive and dreamlike world that Franco-Spanish choreographer Blanca Li has created in her Bal de Paris (Paris Ball). The show is designed to be experienced in virtual reality, but also includes the “real” participation of professional dancers as well as the audience (should they chose). It will be presented at the Grand Théâtre in Luxembourg City as a highlight of the traditional New Year’s Eve show.
“This is a first for the Théâtres de la Ville--presenting a show in virtual reality,” said , director of the Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. This is a show where the border between virtual and real becomes blurred as professional dancers perform in real life and have a double who takes part in the virtual narrative--and where the audience, also equipped with sensors, can have a virtual impact with their real movements.
(Partly) “made in Luxembourg”
The Bal de Paris is a high-quality show, awarded the Lion for Best VR Experience at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, and has already been staged at the Chaillot in Paris and the Barbican in London. Its presence in the grand duchy is thanks to the Film Fund’s support as well as the Luxembourg-based animation company Fabrique d’Images, which worked on the modelling of the characters and sets.
Producers are obliged to present supported works on Luxembourg territory, and it was , director of the Film Fund, who approached Leick-Burns to see if a collaboration could happen.
“What was initially envisaged as a modest presentation is in fact taking the form of a festive and majestic show in the theatre’s main auditorium--and for the end-of-year celebrations to boot,” commented a delighted Daleiden.
“The Grand Théâtre has already presented works by Blanca Li on several occasions. She is a choreographer whose work we appreciate and whose new creations we keep an eye on, and she’s also well known to Luxembourg audiences. However, with this new work, it’s also an opportunity for us to try to reach another audience, to attract audiences from the cinema or of different ages,” says Leick-Burns.
A first “light” version of the show was performed in Neimënster during the virtual reality pavilion at the Luxembourg City Film Festival in 2022. At the Grand Théâtre, the full version is scheduled: four iterations per show are planned, each to feature ten participants and two professional dancers.
In the virtual world, the characters are dressed in Chanel. Photo: Bianca Li
After the 35-minute immersive experience, a dance workshop enables the participants to gently return to reality. A friendly drink is also offered. For New Year’s Eve, the proposal will take an even more festive turn, with a large buffet dinner organised after the performances, followed by an evening hosted by a DJ.
Before and after the show, a virtual reality pavilion organised by the Film Fund also lets audiences discover other works in VR.
Ten performances are scheduled between 28 December and 7 January. Please note: the minimum age is 14.
This article in French in Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.