When Victoria Dauberville, a French ballet dancer and choreographer, performed an awe-inspiring ballet routine on the bulbous bow of a ship in Antarctica, it became an instant sensation.
The short video of her performance garnered 3.9 million views and over 165,000 likes. The viewers express a deep emotional connection to the stunning display.
“The most amazing content to start 2025. You have no idea how incredible it feels to watch you with a backdrop of glaciers and turbulent waters. It’s a sense of peace that transcends the screens.”
One viewer commented
Dauberville’s partner, Mathieu Forget captured the unforgettable performance. Mathieu is a movement artist famously known as “The Flying Man.”
He has a unique talent for capturing movement and played a crucial role in showcasing Dauberville’s graceful performance against the backdrop of icebergs and choppy seas.
The Inspiration Behind the Performance
Why Antarctica?
The decision to film this extraordinary performance in Antarctica was not random. For Forget, the icy continent symbolized a “reset” — a blank page that allowed him to reconnect with creativity. He explained, “Antarctica, with its untouched landscapes and raw power, was the perfect place for that.”

Ponant Cruises invited Dauberville and Forget to explore the intersection of movement and storytelling in one of the most remote corners of the world. The untouched, raw beauty of Antarctica served as an ideal backdrop for the couple to push creative boundaries.
“Being invited by Ponant was an opportunity to strip away distractions, face the unknown, and let the environment shape my thoughts and art.”
Forget reflected
The Unique Opportunity
Once aboard the cruise, the couple collaborated with the ship’s crew, who granted them access to the bulbous bow—a section of the ship usually off-limits. The captain and second captain even positioned the ship amidst the Antarctic ice, creating an unparalleled visual setting for Dauberville’s performance.
To prepare for this bold endeavor, the duo tested their movements in South Georgia. They experimented with stability and choreography to ensure they could adapt to the ship’s constant motion in Antarctica.
“We knew the conditions would be challenging, but we also knew that if we could pull it off, it would be spectacular.”
Forget reflected
The Challenges of Performing in Antarctica
Nature’s Adversity
The harsh conditions of Antarctica—freezing temperatures, strong winds, and the constant swaying of the ship—posed significant challenges.
“The biggest challenge was working with the weather — the freezing temperatures, the wind, and the constant motion of the ship.”
Forget reflected
Despite these hurdles, Dauberville executed her movements with exceptional grace. Forget praised her dedication, stating, “Victoria’s graceful movements against the raw power of the ice and sea were surreal.”
Behind-the-Scenes Realities
After the video went viral, some viewers speculated that the footage was digitally enhanced. To address these doubts, Dauberville and Forget shared behind-the-scenes footage of their work, proving its authenticity. Forget remarked, “To prove it was real was something we were incredibly proud of.”
The Creative Partnership Between Dauberville and Forget
A Dynamic Duo
Dauberville and Forget’s collaboration began four years ago when they met at a party in Paris. From the start, they recognized how their distinct artistic backgrounds could complement each other.
“I believe I’ve been able to support Victoria in developing her strategy and business side, helping her share her unique vision with a wider audience.”
Forget shared.

In turn, Dauberville inspired Forget’s work with her focus on elegance and poetry, enriching his artistic approach. Their shared passion for movement became a foundation for their creative endeavors.
“It’s been a journey of mutual inspiration, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as both a partner and a creative collaborator.”
Forget shared.
Victoria Dauberville: The Modern Face of Ballet
Her Artistic Journey
Victoria Dauberville transitioned from performing in renowned ballet companies like the Bordeaux Opera and the Royal Ballet of Flanders to becoming a social media sensation. Since 2021, her dance videos have attracted millions of viewers on platforms like Instagram, where she has 163,000 followers, and TikTok, where she’s partnered with brands such as Guerlain and Breitling.
Democratizing Ballet
Dauberville’s mission is to make ballet more accessible. She blends classical techniques with modern storytelling to reach wider audiences. Her Antarctic performance reflected this goal by bringing ballet into a setting never seen before.

Global Recognition
The video’s success led Forget to release exclusive prints of the collaboration, signed by both artists. These limited-edition prints became a way to preserve and celebrate the unique project.
Reflecting on the journey, Forget shared, “This journey became a metaphor for stepping into the unfamiliar and finding beauty in the unexpected.”
Conclusion
Victoria Dauberville’s Antarctic ballet performance serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between art and nature. It shows how creativity can flourish even in the most challenging environments, blending elegance and resilience in the face of adversity.
This stunning project not only redefined what art can achieve but also inspired millions to see the world—and themselves—from a new perspective.
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