SEA

Ballerina's Antarctic Performance Sparks Debate on Social Media

Ballerina Victoria Dauberville dances on the edge of a cruise ship, inches from Antarctica’s icy waters. Since some people thought AI created it, it ignited a debate on the web.

French ballerina and choreographer Victoria Dauberville recently performed on the bow of a Ponant cruise ship near Antarctica, sparking widespread attention and debate online.

The video, filmed by photographer Mathieu Forget, shows Dauberville dancing gracefully with a backdrop of floating ice and vast icy waters, leading many viewers to question whether the footage was real or generated using artificial intelligence.

In response to the skepticism, Dauberville posted the video on her Instagram, stating, "White Heaven. Special thanks to the team for bringing this vision to life. PS: No AI was used for this video." To further clarify, both Dauberville and Forget later released behind-the-scenes footage to show how the performance was captured.

The video prompted various reactions on social media. Some users were concerned about safety precautions, with one commenter asking what measures were in place to protect the dancer. Others doubted the video's authenticity until the behind-the-scenes clip was shared.

Dauberville’s reputation for daring performances is well-established. Her social media features other unique routines, including a ballet performance on a moving treadmill. Her innovative artistry earned her a spot on Forbes Europe’s 30 Under 30 list in 2024.