- With an investment of over RMB 2 billion, the reimagined House of Dancing Water involves 300 cast and crew members from more than 30 countries.
- The show’s stagecraft includes a massive pool equivalent to more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools, dynamic lifts, water curtains and 13 blended new design elements.
House of Dancing Water, Macau’s iconic aquatic show, premiered its new chapter in May at City of Dreams. Featuring local performers, it offers a rare platform for homegrown talent to collaborate with global teams and showcase Macau’s artistic spirit.
Since its debut in September 2010, The House of Dancing Water has been performed nearly 4,000 times, attracting audiences from around the world and becoming an iconic benchmark in live performances. With an investment of over RMB2 billion, the production continues to be one of the world’s most captivating aquatic spectacles.
Building on the thrills of the original production, the reimagined House of Dancing Water is now enhanced with a contemporary artistic narrative, further strengthening City of Dreams’ diversified leisure and entertainment offerings.
Directed by Giuliano Peparini, artistic director of Peparini Studios, and produced by Our Legacy Creations, the reimagined House of Dancing Water aims to contribute to Macau’s development as a “City of Performing Arts” and World Center of Tourism and Leisure, and supports Melco’s aims of showcasing the city’s unique charm to the world whilst promoting economic diversification.
Since its debut in September 2010, The House of Dancing Water has been performed nearly 4,000 times.
The company said it believes that excelling in artistic entertainment performance depends on continuous talent cultivation. Elevating the integrated development of Macau’s “tourism+” cultural and entertainment offerings, House of Dancing Water is brought to life by a world-class team of nearly 300 cast and crew from over 30 countries, approximately one-third of whom are from Greater China, including professional divers and performers. Together, the team presents an artistic feast that combines acrobatics, choreography, stunts and theatrical performances, demonstrating a wonderous collaboration between local and international talent in Macau.
Kiki, who plays the breath-holding Princess Aani, said her role demands water sense, awareness and composure under pressure. To prepare, she studied freediving.
According to Kiki, her progression has been aided by her international colleagues, who bring diverse expertise, while local teammates helped her develop rhythm and intuitive coordination.
Despite differences in language and culture, the team shares a common belief: that by working together to create a great show, they can overcome all obstacles.
Noting that it is not easy to bring together talent from different countries in such a complex production, Kiki said the experience has solidified her passion for challenging immersive performances. Her goal now is to continuously improve her live performance abilities and seek to break through her own limitations. The performance is no longer just a job; the camaraderie with the team has evolved into an indescribable sense of belonging, Kiki added.
Local physiotherapist Filipe Ferreira Dos Santos Ferreira said being part of the team is both exciting and challenging, stating that working with global and local talent has sharpened his expertise in sports and performance therapy and he looks forward to contributing to future Melco productions.
Michelle Renee Derstine, a US performer, said it’s incredible to work with such a dedicated team. She praised Giuliano for encouraging co-creation and shared that being part of the show is already fulfilling her artistic dreams.
To celebrate the grand opening of the new chapter of House of Dancing Water on May 7, Melco invited government officials and business leaders, performing arts celebrities and media guests from around the world to gather and experience it firsthand. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Bai Bing, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Lin Ruhai, Director of the Department of Consular Affairs, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Evan Winkler, Board Director and President of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; and Giuliano Peparini, Artistic Director of Peparini Studios, attended the Premiere to celebrate.
House of Dancing Water was unveiled to a sold-out audience introducing beautiful stunning visuals, benefiting from a completely renewed and uniquely cohesive storytelling approach. Set in a fantastical world where love, courage and destiny transcend time, the show invites audiences on an unforgettable journey of beauty, romance and heroism.
House of Dancing Water is brought to life by a team of nearly 300 cast and crew.
A newly introduced character, the Sailor, brings a playful charm and humor that adds dimension to the story. Stunning new scenes and visual elements including the Magic Garden, Aquarium Cage and Future City immerse audiences into surreal, dreamlike worlds. At the emotional core lies the Heart of Water, a poetic motif that elevates the narrative into a timeless romantic epic.
Behind the spectacle lies extraordinary stagecraft – a massive pool that is equivalent to more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools, dynamic lifts, water curtains and 13 blended new design elements such as a human chandelier and laser grids seamlessly blend technology with imagination. Enhanced by a new orchestration and 24 custom-designed costumes, the performance delivers an immersive sensory experience.
The cast and crew includes former Olympic athletes, whose talent and dedication ensure each moment is executed with passion and precision. With superior seating and two exclusive VVIP boxes, the theater offers elevated comfort and intimacy, while advanced backstage systems support every breathtaking feat, from aerial ballet to 25-meter-high dives.
Lawrence Ho said, “The new House of Dancing Water is more than a reimagined and recreated show; it is part of our ongoing effort to support the Macau SAR’s vision as a world center of tourism and leisure. Through this spectacular experience, we are proud to showcase the creativity and potential of the city’s cultural tourism to the world. I would also like to thank Giuliano Peparini and Our Legacy Creations, our casts and crew for their exceptional artistry and dedication in bringing this new chapter to life.”
Peparini added, “It has been an extraordinary journey to reimagine House of Dancing Water, a show that holds such a special place in the hearts of many. This new chapter is not only a visual spectacle but a heartfelt story of love and courage. I’m deeply grateful to our amazing team from over 30 countries, whose talent and dedication made this possible. My sincere thanks to Melco and Lawrence Ho for their vision and support, it is an honor to bring this show to life together.”
