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The Antarctic is one of the harshest and most unforgiving landscapes on Earth, yet French dancer and choreographer Victoria Dauberville recently selected its icy waters as her stage. In collaboration with fellow dancer, photographer, and director Mathieu Forget, she created a breathtaking performance on the edge of a cruise ship’s bilge.
The incredible footage captures Dauberville in a white tutu and ballet shoes, bravely dancing beneath the bow of a ship, surrounded by ice. With her toes perfectly pointed and her arms stretched out like wings, she moves with such grace and precision that it’s easy to forget just how dangerous her stage really is.
The scene is so surreal, that many online were certain it was created with AI. However, Dauberville quickly debunked the theories by posting a behind-the-scenes video. It shows how she and her team approached the ship from another smaller boat at the perfect moment, allowing her to quickly remove her warm layers and carefully step out onto the ship’s icy surface.
Despite the risks involved, Dauberville and Forget were determined to capture the perfect shot, and carefully conducted safety checks before the final performance. They even did a “dry run” at a separate location in South Georgia, a remote island in the Atlantic. Fortunately, they managed to pull off the final performance just as they planned, capturing the unforgettable moment on camera.
The Antarctic’s extreme conditions make it a powerful backdrop for a ballet performance, mirroring the often-rigorous nature of the dance industry itself. Speaking about the concept, Forget explained in an interview, “There’s a sense of wonder, there’s also a sense of admiration and respect. It really talks about the fragility of the dance, but also at the same time, the harshness and brutality.”
Check out Dauberville’s incredible performance below and find more of her work on Instagram.
Dancer Victoria Dauberville recently created this incredible performance on the edge of a cruise ship in the Antarctic.
@victoriadauberville White Heaven ❄️ #heaven #antartica #boat #ice #view #ballet ♬ Cornfield Chase – Hans Zimmer
She moves with such grace and precision that it’s easy to forget just how dangerous her stage really is.
@victoriadaubervilleFloating
The scene is so surreal, that many online were certain it was created with AI. However, Dauberville quickly debunked the theories by posting a behind-the-scenes video.
@victoriadauberville Better than AI ❄️ Check out the Behind the Scene of how we shot this video. #bts #reality #ballet #dancer #antartica ♬ Yasashi – CXSPER
To bring her vision to life, she teamed up with fellow dancer, photographer, and director Mathieu Forget. Learn more about their project in the interview below.
Victoria Dauberville: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Source: #TheMoment a ballerina danced on a ship’s bow in the Antarctic Ocean
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