What does it take to create a show where dance, aerial artistry, magic and spectacular illusions come together? For director Danny Teeson and choreographer Zachary Venegas, it starts with a shared creative vision, a powerful musical score and a studio full of talented dancers ready to push boundaries!
The pair recently wrapped an exciting two-week creative workshop at London’s prestigious Sadler’s Wells East, developing ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™, an original theatrical production created by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Shows and Experiences exclusively for the new Norwegian Aura.
Blending commercial dance, aerial arts, acrobatics, theatrical illusions and immersive technology, ILLUMINOX promises a thrilling 45-minute experience. But behind the spectacle is a creative partnership that puts dance firmly in the spotlight.
“When you find people you collaborate particularly well with, you develop almost a sixth sense of communication,” says Teeson. “That’s very much the relationship I have with Zachary Venegas. We speak the same creative language, which makes the collaborative process incredibly instinctive.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Teeson has worked with major artists including Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, alongside an extensive career creating productions for the cruise industry.
Venegas brings an impressive commercial dance background, having performed with Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Doechii, and choreographed for artists including Calvin Harris, Tiësto and Charlie Puth.
Together, they’re creating something that goes far beyond traditional production-show choreography.
The original concept and art direction for ILLUMINOX were developed by Kai Alan Carrier, Director of Entertainment Creative for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, with Teeson and Venegas bringing the theatrical world to life through direction and movement.
“Choreography was part of the conversation from the earliest stages, rather than something we brought in once the world had already been created,” Teeson explains.
For Venegas, that collaboration has been key.
“It’s a very efficient type of relationship when you can communicate and visualize so clearly together,” he shares. “Danny is an incredibly detailed and clear director which helps drive the work forward.”
During the London workshop, professional dancers from across the UK explored the show’s movement language, developing choreography that shifts between powerful commercial styles, fluid contemporary influences and highly theatrical moments.
And with a score of iconic music reimagined, the creative possibilities have been endless.
“Having unique music was so exciting to work with because you get the freedom to create from a birthplace of all things,” says Venegas. “I feel like I’m also orchestrating something with movement by following the very clear or even hidden parts to the music.”
For Teeson, the music drives the movement.
“Each orchestration has its own personality, emotion and physicality, so the choreography can move between something very grounded and powerful, something more contemporary and fluid, and moments that are much more stylized and theatrical.”
But what does it take to perform in a production like ILLUMINOX?
“Versatility was the first thing that we knew would be an important priority,” Venegas explains.
With dancers moving between different theatrical worlds, musical styles and physical demands, the production calls for exceptional technique, athleticism, musicality and storytelling ability.
“The show asks them to constantly transform,” says Teeson. “They have to move between very different musical, physical and theatrical environments while maintaining the narrative and emotional journey of the production.”
It’s an exciting reminder that today’s professional dancers need to be more than technically brilliant. They need to be adaptable, expressive and ready to embrace new creative challenges.
And for Australian dancers dreaming of performing internationally, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Shows and Experiences offers a direct connection to the industry. In May, they will be back in Australia for VDF (Victorian Dance Festival), auditioning dancers, delivering masterclasses and sharing the NCLH experience with Australian performing artists. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from international industry professionals and explore career pathways in entertainment at sea.
As the ILLUMINOX creative team moves beyond its London workshop, one thing is clear: dance isn’t simply supporting the spectacle. It’s driving it.
“Dancers are no longer simply there to support a production number; they can be characters, storytellers and an integral part of creating and transforming the world around them,” says Teeson.
And for dancers looking to be part of the next generation of live entertainment, that’s where the real magic begins!
For more information, audition cities and dates, visit Nclhcreativestudios.com.
