Behind the scenes of the world’s largest aquatic show — a direct look at “The House of Dancing Water” by Pantages!

Text & Photography / Chi Binghui

Last year’s newly opened Studio City is one of the largest entertainment complexes in Cotai, and its most captivating highlight is undoubtedly “The House of Dancing Water,” the world’s largest aquatic performance. Built with an investment of NT$8 billion, the theater environment and performance content are first-class, making it a strong rival to “Cirque du Soleil” at the neighboring The Venetian. Many visitors who have watched it believe that “The House of Dancing Water” outshines in both freshness and excitement, making it a must-see show in Macau. Since September 2010, every show has been sold out, and the incredible behind-the-scenes efforts are equally worth witnessing.

 

“The House of Dancing Water” is a collaboration between Studio City and Franco Dragone Entertainment Group, directed personally by the international veteran master Franco Dragone. He worked with Cirque du Soleil for over twelve years and was involved in more than ten major shows, including “Alegria,” “Quidam,” “Saltimbanco,” and “Mystère.” To date, over 70 million people have experienced his classic works. The preparation for “The House of Dancing Water” took over two years, involving more than 77 international performers from 18 countries, along with 130 behind-the-scenes production staff, technicians, and divers, all working together to bring the performance to life.

 

The world’s largest aquatic show lives up to its name — performing high-difficulty acts both high in the air and over water. The main stage is 24 meters high (about eight stories), with an 8-meter-deep pool, utilizing 258 automated fountains and 11 ten-ton elevating platforms. The pool holds up to 3.7 million gallons of water — more than 3.5 times the size of the largest water stage in Las Vegas. Miraculously, the stage can switch from deep water to land in an instant, and the floor can be completely dry in just three seconds. Performers swing from high above, perform human chandeliers, and execute fancy dives one moment, then elegantly dance ballet or race motorcycles on flat ground the next. Each athletic performer executes Olympic-level feats mid-air, paired with stunning stage effects that leave audiences in awe.