Dubai: La Perle by Dragone Opens with a Bang!
Dubai isn’t short on entertainment and in one of its newest suburbs we’re about to see more.
Al Habtoor City has a ringside location on Dubai Canal. Already boasting St Regis, Westin and W Hotels, there are luxury residential towers, a marina, tennis academy, retail, and numerous bars and restaurants to come.
Last weekend saw the opening of the long anticipated La Perle by Dragone and, wow, did it open with a bang! Let’s take a peek.
Franco Dragone.
If you’ve heard of Franco Dragone, you’ll know he’s one of the world’s most renowned artistic directors. Controversial from a young age, his early work in college was political, often replacing actors with regular humans to portray life’s misfortunes. Homeless, drug addicts and prison inmates shared their stories.
Dragone joined Cirque Du Soliel as a creator in 1985 and spent 14 years on 11 memorable shows. Forming his namesake company in 1999, Dragone has created, produced and directed stand alone shows in Las Vegas, China, Colombia, Russia, Abu Dhabi, and a colossal show at City of Dreams in Macau.
La Perle.
Dragone’s latest offering, La Perle, is the long anticipated theatrical event performed in a purpose built aqua-theatre at Al Habtoor City. The intimate theatre space seats a surprising 1300 people in only 14 rows. Every seat is in close proximity to the stage and surrounded by suspended acrobats during the performance. 
The stage, with its central diving pool and tidal shifts, presents water as a cast member displaying emotion through height, depth, and movement.
Performing acrobatic, aquatic and aerial stunts, the cast of 65 international artists from 23 countries draw spontaneous gasps and applause from the audience. Strength, precision, and grace infuse every movement. Trust and confidence in each other’s abilities are paramount.
The story, inspired by Dubai’s past, present and future is brought to life by projection, lighting, sound and the phenomenal acrobatics. As the world explodes before you, a love story commences. Expectations are high and La Perle by Dragone delivers. 
La Perle by Dragone is a definite “must do” on your Dubai itinerary.
What: La Perle by Dragone aqua-theatre extravaganza.
Where: Al Habtoor City (entrance at the W Hotel)
When: Tuesday to Saturday (19:00 – 20:30 & 21:30 – 23:00)
How: Buy Tickets here.
Why: Because it’s awesome!
Total immersion in a theatrical performance: it’s a thing we love….
Disclaimer: paraphernalia.co purchased pre-opening 1/2 price tickets for La Perle by Dragone and we’re pleased we did!
La Perle by Dragone looks like a spectacular experience. A complete entertainment extravaganza. Indeed something to add to the list of must have experiences in Dubai.
You certainly wouldn’t be disappointed Sandy N Vyjay. The performance as incredible! 🙂
The aquastage looks very impressive, I didn’t know an aqua stage was possible! I’m sure with Franco Dragones’s experience that the show was as impressive as the stage!
It’s certainly impressive, James. There are some stats on their site of how much water is used. It’s recycled, thankfully. Some incredible amount equivalent to numerous Olympic sized swimming pools.
That sounds and looks amazing! Definitely something we would love to have the chance to see!
Everyone who has seen it in Dubai has absolutely loved it. It’s such a fantastic way to escape. 🙂
Wow! It looks absolutely spectacular! Dragone sounds like a definite creative genius. I shall remember the name and hope I get to see his work one day.
Definitely do, Kelly. It’s such a unique performance, almost using the water as another character. La Perle has taken Dubai by storm. 🙂
What a cool looking stage! We’ve seen a couple of TV shows about the making of the aqua-shows, but we haven’t actually seen one of the shows. If we ever get to Dubai, this would be a great one to see!
Oh definitely, Rob + Ann, La Perle would be a great one to see. House of Dancing Water in Macau is also spectacular, although the stage is a lot more intimate in Dubai. I definitely recommend it. 🙂
Are those actually photos from the show! They look so unreal! I didn’t know about this person (Dragone) but looks like he is a creative genius. And, you are not going to believe it but I have never seen a Cirque du Soliel show. Now, I have to see one and Le Perle too. #feetdotravel
I took the pics during the performance, Ruth. It was actually encouraged which I found extraordinary. Franco Dragone is a bit of a legend I agree and yes, definitely see La Perle on a stop-over through Dubai. 🙂
Whoa an aqua-theater? Never heard of such a thing before but this sounds and looks amazing!! #feetdotravel
It really was an incredible performance, Lolo. Some jaw-dropping stunts and lots of colour and movement to take us to some place else for an hour and a half. 🙂
What a show it must have been. Spectacular!
Absolutely! It kept everyone transfixed! A lot of jaw-dropping surprises. 🙂