VR technology empowers grand ballroom dance scenes.

Some people may doubt the old saying clothes make the man, but there’s a surprising degree of truth to the quote, as felt in Spanish choreographer Blanca Li’s award-winning LE BAL de PARIS de Blanca Li. Unlike many artists who have chosen to shy away from technology, Blanca Li has decided to fully embrace it instead, recognising the power of Virtual Reality (VR) technology and the possibilities it offers her craft, as she harnesses its power to give audience members a participatory, immersive experience, where we become the main characters in a luxurious Parisian ball.

Produced by Singapore Street Festival, LE BAL de PARIS de Blanca Li also brings on French luxury fashion house Chanel as a collaborator, designing and crafting virtual versions of some of their signature looks and pieces that we’re allowed to ‘wear’ in virtual reality. Playing at Infinite Studios, the space initially seems rather unassuming, but what we’re about to experience is altogether unexpected. We are greeted by totem-like animal heads, evoking the sense of something mystical yet Baroque, transporting us away from the heat of Singapore and towards something more European. Gathered in a holding area, we put our belongings aside in a safe area, before being briefed by the staff, and finally, led to the arena itself.

As a style of performance that’s rather avant garde, we’re given yet another briefing while onboarding for the technology, and while it may sound tedious, it’s all necessary, and done sophisticatedly, with care to ensure we’re comfortable and enjoy the best experience possible. In the lead-up to the actual experience, we’re asked to select virtual versions of classic Chanel couture pieces for us to wear while in the virtual world, an act that seems innocuous, but is essential to the immersion. This step elevates the experience to new heights; as is expected of Chanel, the pieces are stylish and emanate an aura of grandeur, almost having a ‘Cinderella effect’ where we feel transformed as we begin this role play, about to have fun as we’re whisked away to explore the world of Paris. 

Entering an elevator, we emerge at the top of the ballroom, and a grand affair is about to begin. Everything is carefully choreographed, where not only do we see them dancing in VR, but also the dancers dancing in real life with the VR headset on, making us appreciate how every part of this show has been planned for, to integrate both the VR and real world. One particularly understated aspect is how even during the show, dancers take time to tap you from time to time, reminding us both to remain grounded in reality, while also creating the idea that we’re not alone in this, surrounded by actual people all experiencing this together, creating a sense of comfort to know that they are all here with us on this journey as well, a togetherness that feels so necessary in a post-pandemic world, where we can finally gather in the same room again.

The sense of luxury is ever-present; from the ballroom, we’re seated on a luxurious boat, led through a garden maze, and then to a beautiful open field that opens up one’s mind to the world. We’re invited to dance with a stranger, before we come together, all holding hands and raising them to the sky – it’s all simple gestures that feel revolutionary for such an art form, and encourages us to continue breaking convention, to open our minds, just let go and immerse ourselves in that world. 

Seated on a train, we find ourselves in more raunchy territory, as we arrive at MIMI’s burlesque club. Exactly what it sounds like, it reminds us of a virtual Moulin Rouge of Parisian nightlife fame, but with a touch of class. As our night winds down to a close and the storylines conclude, we find ourselves back on ‘land’ in the real world, taking a moment to decompress and reorientate ourselves after spending so much time in rathe realistic virtual reality. LE BAL de PARIS de Blanca Li is a breakthrough in melding performing arts, technology, and fashion, deserving of its praise and accolades, as it shows off the combined might of theatre, dance, and innovation, thanks to the team of creatives behind it. Ultimately, we come away form the experience refreshed and hopeful, in awe of the potential of VR and swept away by both the choreography and breathtaking showcase of Chanel pieces, and reminded of how if we just let go and immerse ourselves, life becomes that much more glorious.

LE BAL de PARIS de Blanca Li plays from 2nd to 17th March 2024 at Infinite Studios. Tickets available here