On June 1, Ballet Pixelle (formerly Second Life Ballet) premiered their fifth ballet "Shuzenji". Set in Edo era Japan, "Shuzenji" tells the story of two lovers, Sakura and Tokai, who are separated from each other when Tokai is murdered by four jealous courtesans, or Oirans at the shrine of Shuzenji. Because Tokai died violently, he became a Yurei, a spirit who is trapped at the place where his life was taken. The faithful Sakura continued to visit Tokai at the shrine and because of her devotion Tokai's spirit was released and he was able to wander the world. Sakura, fearful of losing him again, commits suicide so that she can be with him forever, and they are joined together in the spirit world, along with the countless spirits of others, the Obake.

This is a very ambitious ballet, one that took almost five months to create. The story and choreography, both created by the director and founder of Ballet Pixelle Inarra Saarinen, help to explore "the geographic and cultural diversity of Second Life by dancing about the unique Edo era of Japan, the Tokugawa shogunate in the 1700's" as well as "the universal feelings of love, commitment and loss.", according to Saarinen. The music was written for the ballet by popular Japanese composer and performer Solary Clary (rl Sora Izumikawa, www. sorasora.com), who was present at the premiere. The Edo era is convincingly and beautifully brought to the stage by the use of the gorgeous and elaborate costumes, which contrast with the simplicity of the sets designed by Inarra Saarinen.

According to Saarinen, Ballet Pixelle is "dancing into the digital future", by exploring the intersection of the real and virtual world. Saarinen creates the animations used in the performances; there are no poseballs or looping, no artificial synchronizing devices, each dancer is actually dancing live during each performance. I was invited to watch a rehearsal for "Shuzenji" and while it is strikingly similar to a real rehearsal, the dancers must learn to deal with challenges specific to Second Life. Of course there are the things you would expect, such as lag, but also just imagine that the dancers must find the correct spot up in the air, so that altogether they present the particular vision of the choreographer. As well, the dancers and others involved with the ballet are scattered all over the world from Japan to Europe to the United States. This requires a lot of coordination and commitment from everyone, complicated by the different time zones.

The name of the company was recently changed to Ballet Pixelle, from Second Life Ballet, Saarinen said "to better represent that we are a unique company with a virtual base" with the word "Pixelle" used "to keep the digital element clear."

"Shuzenji" will be performed on Wednesdays and Sundays at 5 pm throughout June at the Ballet Pixelle IBM theatre, IBM 10 (14, 179, 25) Join the Ballet Pixelle group to receive updates and information.

1. Tokai is murdered at the shrine of Shuzenji (act 1)

2. Sakura visits Tokai at the shrine (act 2)

3. Tokai and Sakura are re-united in the spirit world (act 3)

4. Cast and Crew of Shuzenji Mark Cassini (MC), Neena Botanical (Obake), Tatianna Kurri (Obake), Amelie Dibou (Sakura), Tik Merlin (Tokai), Lina Lageos (Obake), Pyper Dollinger (Obake), in front, Inarra Saarinen (founder and director)