Paris After Dark Valentine Ball

Since its inception in 2017, Dances of Vice has been the go-to experience for a fetishistic nightlife phenomenon in New York that specializes in fantasy partying and highly styled themed entertainment. Their itinerant parties attract a debauched menagerie of creative mavericks who celebrate art, beauty, human desire, and the freeing powers of imagination and surrealism. Dances of Vice's originator, Shien Lee, has garnered international acclaim as an experienced architect and shrewd organizer of midnight celebrations. Her main goal was to foster the empowerment of artists and strengthen community relationships.

On February 15, illustrious guests flocked to the renowned Capitale for the Paris After Dark - St. Valentine Ball, a Dances of Vice production. Capitale served as the ideal venue for the gathering. The landmark building at 130 Bowery, once occupied by the Bowery Savings Bank, was erected in the late 19th century. The stunning Beaux-Arts building, Corinthian columns, and towering 19th-century skylight of Capitale NY set the stage for a magical evening. The team did an amazing job decorating the inside as well. Gorgeous paintings, crown molding, a winding wooden staircase, amazing lighting and candelabras, wood and marble everywhere, and exquisite rooms like the ballroon, reading room with a massive fireplace, and stage room created an atmosphere reminiscent of a movie set.

The dress code was Parisian decadence, high fashion hedonism, moulin rouge, crazy horse, carnevale, burlesque, fantasy, top hats, rococo, vintage or black tie attire. Everyone was dressed to the nines, those theming experts!

There was something going on all the time. In every room, all senses were being filled every second. In an outrageous combination of Baroque dance, live music, opera, circus, gender-bending burlesque, and realistic immersive theater, the concept of Parisian seduction came to life. The best part of the night was definitely the BDSM Boundior on the club’s second level for VIP guests. In this section were additional provocative, sado-sensual performances and things I can’t even mention here.

This was not a party, but an experience. An experience that everyone needs to try at least once.