Exploring 'Le Bal de Paris de Blanca Li': The Wonders of Location-Based VR with VIVE Focus 3

Last February, we reported on the 2023 TIFA production "Le Bal de Paris de Blanca Li," and how it used VR to instantly transport audiences to a midnight soiree in Paris, immersing them in a high-society ball with the help of the HTC VIVE Focus 3. Since the end of last year, an extended 80-minute version of "Le Bal de Paris" has been presented at the Shilin Science Education Center, combining theater and interactive VR elements. What makes this extended version different?

In a nutshell, my takeaway is this: upon leaving the venue, I felt as though my experience transcended traditional VR, feeling more like a date with the VIVE Focus 3 instead.I left still feeling warm from the excitement of night, a sensation exclusive to this night of location-based entertainment.

And this all began with my solo journey to the event.

A Ritualistic Experience akin to a Secret Ball

On a chilly March night, I approached the National Taiwan Science Education Center, despite Google Maps indicating it was closed. It was pitch dark from afar, but as I descended the stairs to B1 and was greeted by the staff, I immediately knew I had arrived at the epicenter of interactive VR. The deserted setting added a layer of mystery to the start of the ball.

Upon entering the waiting area, as expected, I was the only one who had come alone, which made me a bit anxious. However, the extended version of "Le Bal de Paris" introduced a "pre-VR ritual," including the garden adorned with animal head statues and floral-scented cocktails, as well as the design of the ball's host, Jenny—elements not present in the previous version. The meticulously arranged venue and the host's guidance (along with the alcohol) made it easier for the audience to get into the mood for the location-based entertainment.

Noticing my solitary arrival, Jenny greeted me with a warm smile, instantly making me feel welcomed. After everyone had admired and photographed the garden, she asked us to stand in front of the animal head/statue that represented the character we wanted to become and to write our names on a small mirror beside it. Then, she led us to place our named mirrors into a clear basin of water in the center of the garden. As our names disappeared, it symbolized that we were about to shed (or forget) our real-world identities.

With the ritualistic atmosphere, it truly felt like participating in a secret ball. The other attendees whispered excitedly among themselves about the interactive VR experience.

You can take as many photos as you like in the garden, which also serves as a preparation area for entering virtual reality. (Source: VIVE Arts)

A More Sensational Transition Between Spaces

Upon pushing open the grand doors to enter the main area, the staff meticulously assisted me in donning the VIVE Tracker and, ultimately, the pièce de résistance—the HTC VIVE Focus 3 headset. Even though the gear was somewhat heavy, adorned with it, I could still move freely. Notably, two staff members, snugly dressed, played key roles in the ball. They were seen dancing at times, inviting us to join in, or guiding me to dance with others, as expected.

This is the place where we will dance. (Source: VIVE Arts)

Wearing the VR headset felt like donning a mask for the ball, offering a sense of anonymity. In that moment, being alone or with company didn’t matter; it allowed you to embody whoever you wished to be. Faced with the choice of outfits in the dressing room, I naturally (or perhaps inevitably?) chose a Chanel-designed gown—when else would such an opportunity arise?

The experience unfolded across three main spaces: the ballroom, the garden, and the club. Transitioning between these environments was impressively realistic, complete with sensations such as a breeze, mimicking the experience of riding an elevator, a boat, and even a train. Upon entering each area, a dancer would lead the way, ensuring that those who arrived solo felt guided and at ease. For those preferring to enjoy the VR environment undisturbed, the staff had previously informed us that a simple gesture would suffice to signal them.

Among these spaces, the garden emerged as my favorite. The journey from the ballroom to the garden was nothing short of breathtaking; a panoramic lake view unfolded, showcasing the mesmerizing capabilities of interactive VR. Before stepping into the garden, we navigated a maze rendered with astonishing realism, thanks to VIVE’s Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) technology. This tech can conjure spaces as vast as four adjoining tennis courts and support shared tracking maps for multiple users. Occasionally, dancers would guide us, introducing an element of suspense (the potential for a "Shining" experience crossed my mind). As we delved deeper into the garden, the dancers would inquire if we could detect the scent of the flowers, while various characters engaged in their own pursuits along the path. Observing the background characters was a distinct pleasure of "Le Bal de Paris."

The garden itself is dazzling, with wonders to admire in the sky and around every corner. (Source: VIVE Arts)

A distinctive feature of the extended version is the voiceovers by Lun-mei Gwei and Bolin Chen for the main characters, Adèle and Pierre. Upon logging into the ball, attendees could immerse themselves in the love story brought to life through their voices. While the narrative is quite straightforward, some critics might view this simplicity as a common challenge in VR works. However, I contend that, on one hand, the VR experience itself is already so immersive—especially with "Le Bal de Paris" incorporating physical dancing—that processing a storyline laden with complexities could be overwhelming for the audience. On the other hand, the 'content' of a VR experience also derives from what participants see and feel. Being fully immersed means you are actively creating content that is uniquely yours.

Don’t Forget to Share a Drink and Engage in Conversation with Those Around You

The journey didn’t end upon removing the headset and exiting the ball. The staff led us to a bar at the back to “retrieve our names,” extending the experience further.

Before we took our seats, Jenny, the ball’s host, reemerged, inviting everyone to join in another dance. Dancing hand in hand with strangers, now unmasked and without the headsets, could have felt awkward under normal circumstances. Yet, having already shared several dances where the virtual and real worlds merged, any sense of embarrassment had vanished. Embracing this newfound camaraderie, I joined hands with the men beside me. Whether they recognized me as the one in the black gown with the rabbit head didn’t matter. Our interactions and shared moments became the 'content' of our collective ball experience.

The bar segment revives the ambiance of the final club scene. If dancing has worn you out, you're welcome to take a seat, unwind, and enjoy a drink. (Source: VIVE Arts)

As we sipped on whiskey, the bartender revealed the process for reclaiming our names. This part of the experience was ingeniously designed, yet I’ll preserve its mystery here, encouraging you to discover it firsthand. Noticing I was by myself, the bartender kindly suggested I join a couple at the next table. The woman, curious, immediately inquired if I had portrayed a specific character earlier. In turn, I learned about their discovery of the event, revealing they were avid followers of "Surprise Lab."

Their enthusiasm left a lasting impression on me; they danced with such fervor throughout the ball, it felt as though we were part of distinctly different celebrations. This highlights the charm of "Le Bal de Paris": the ball offers various modes of enjoyment, and the experience is distinctly enriched by the company one keeps.

[Reality] To cap off the evening, remember to strike a final pose. A gentle reminder: Photos taken on-site are only available for one night. Make sure to download them swiftly. (Source: VIVE Arts)

[Virtual] To cap off the evening, remember to strike a final pose. A gentle reminder: Photos taken on-site are only available for one night. Make sure to download them swiftly. (Source: VIVE Arts)

As I stepped out of the National Taiwan Science Education Center, the clock was nearing nine. The dimly lit streets served as a stark reminder of my return to reality. Perhaps the most fascinating part of this blend between virtual and real worlds is the realization that emotions can be incredibly authentic, even within the seemingly illusory confines of VR. Returning to reality, we uncover its fantastical elements: before tonight, the thought of dancing, conversing, and sharing drinks with strangers seemed unimaginable. Yet, this experience allowed someone as socially anxious as myself to view life from a fresh perspective.