world’s first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany

creative director harry yeff uses artificial intelligence and his own voice to compose an otherworldly musical landscape for the ballet dancers.

myrto katsikopoulou June 1, 2023 3 min

introducing the world’s first AI ballet

From May 29th to July 8th, 2023, the Leipzig Ballet at Oper Leipzig presents FUSION, a multidisciplinary ballet production that pushes the boundaries of art and technology. Directed and composed by artist and technologist Harry Yeff, also known as Reeps100, this performance aims to create the world’s first AI ballet.

Harry Yeff (also the creator of VOICE GEMS, a set of voice-generated digital art) has utilized generative artificial intelligence tools, such as DALL·E 2 or Midjourney, to create a series of imagined ballet dancers based on portraits of the 35 international dancers participating in the production. AI has also served as inspiration for the set design, costumes, and choreography.

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 1 — images courtesy of Ida Zenna, unless stated otherwise

exploring the dynamics between humanity, ai, and nature

The narrative of FUSION delves into the intricate interplay between humanity, artificial intelligence, and nature, drawing inspiration from Plato’s concept of the divided self, where unity and balance are sought after. Guided by choreography from Mario Schroder and stage design by Paul Zoller, the ballet visually depicts the journey toward harmony, exploring the mesmerizing blend of light, water, and shadows.

As mentioned above, the standout feature of FUSION is the integration of artificial intelligence technology. AI artist and musician Harry Yeff (find more here) uses his own voice that acts as a catalyst for exploration, accompanied by generative synthetic voices that contribute to the otherworldly musical landscape. Yeff’s persistent training with voice and AI technology has granted him an impressive level of control over his voice, resembling a post-human and machine-like quality. This live musical performance intricately weaves together the realms of humanity, machine, and nature, aiming to delve into the harmonious coexistence of these elements, promising to redefine the boundaries of contemporary ballet.

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 2 — dancers will move to Harry Yeff’s own natural voice, accompanied by generative synthetic voices

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 3 — the narrative of FUSION delves into the intricate interplay between humanity, artificial intelligence, and nature

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 4 — AI has served as inspiration for the set design, costumes, and choreography

fusion-ai-ballet-leipzig-opera-harry-yeff-designboom-full-02

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 5 — FUSION draws inspiration from Plato’s concept of the divided self

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 6 — the ballet visually depicts the journey toward harmony, exploring the mesmerizing blend of light, and shadows

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 7 — Harry Yeff’s voice acts as a catalyst for exploration

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 8 — set piece for FUSION by Paul Zoller

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 9 — Harry Yeff, also known as Reeps100, on stage

world's first AI ballet takes center stage at leipzig opera in germany - 10 — Yeff’s persistent training with AI has granted him a level of control over his voice, resembling a post-human and machine-like quality

generative choreography by AI generative choreography by AI generative set design by AI generative set design by AI generative costume design by Paul Zoller

project info:

name: FUSION
creative direction and music by: Harry Yeff (Reeps100)
performed by: Leipzig Ballet

location: Oper Leipzig, Germany