Collective Body is a virtual reality experience where the body itself becomes both interface and language. Through a collective exploration of movement, participants’ gestures are transformed into dancing avatars, creating a shared experience of reconnection — both to oneself and to others. While the overuse of digital technologies can often lead to dissociation and depersonalization, Collective Body harnesses VR to cultivate a deeper awareness of the body and its presence, beyond imposed filters and norms.

In real time, participants’ movements are analyzed by artificial intelligence to generate unique avatars, each associated with a natural element (embers, clouds, lava, rain…). Beyond the headset, these dancing avatars feed into a living, ever-evolving mural — a decentralized dance installation created by and for the public.

Following its premiere in Venice, the piece began its international tour in Osaka as part of the cultural cooperation between France and Japan, on the occasion of Expo 2025. The tour will continue at major cultural institutions in Europe (Watershed, Bristol), the United States (Lincoln Center, New York; Music Center, Los Angeles), and Asia (Kaohsiung Festival).

Produced by Atlas V; commissioned by Lincoln Center; co-produced by Body of Ways, Onassis ONX; supported by the CNC, the City of Paris, the Région Sud, Villa Albertine, Institut Français, and UniFrance.

Music by Harvey Causon

Distributed by Diversion Cinema