This article is released corresponding with the full moon cycle. Which is a big part of the Helium Queen’s Lore. Check back each Full Moon in 2025 for more Helium Queens content.
Helium Queens is not content with merely performing their avant-pop music; they are ambitious artistic innovators who have made a significant impact on the Dallas artistic community through their groundbreaking projects, most notably “Helium Queens: A Space Opera.” This monumental production stands as a testament to their expansive creative vision, seamlessly blending music, theater, dance, and visual art to create an immersive and unforgettable experience.
“Helium Queens: A Space Opera” premiered at Artstillery in Dallas in August 2021, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s history. This full-fledged theatrical production brought the narrative of their “YOUniverse” to life on stage, telling a compelling story about a group of women who seize control of the moon to protect the vital connection between Earth and its celestial neighbor. The opera was a true spectacle, featuring live music performed by the band, captivating dancers, and an elaborately costumed cast of characters who inhabited the futuristic world created by Helium Queens.
Poppy Xander, the band’s visionary, took on a multitude of roles in the production, serving as the writer, director, costume and prop designer, in addition to performing within the opera. This hands-on approach underscores her deep commitment to the project and her singular artistic vision. The deliberate casting of an all femme and non-binary ensemble for the opera further highlighted the band’s commitment to inclusivity and the centering of diverse voices, aligning with the likely feminist themes embedded within their narrative.
Critical reception for the “Space Opera” was overwhelmingly positive, with one review hailing it as “truth in advertising”—a genuine opera delivered with earnestness and featuring stunning costumes and talented performers. The production was lauded for its seamless fusion of various art forms, creating an experience that was both emotionally resonant and visually spectacular. The musical score, a unique blend of classical compositions, electronica, and vintage 80s synth sounds, was also recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing the narrative and atmosphere. Special praise was given to the intricate costume design, particularly the distinct neon dresses worn by the Helium Queens and the striking David Bowie-inspired ensemble of the character “She the King.”
The success of the “Space Opera” solidified Helium Queens’ reputation as innovators within the Dallas artistic landscape. It demonstrated their ability to push creative boundaries beyond the traditional band format and to collaborate with a wider community of artists, involving a team of approximately 20 individuals in the production. This interdisciplinary approach has set them apart and showcased their potential for creating large-scale, impactful artistic projects.
Beyond the “Space Opera,” Helium Queens has consistently engaged with the Dallas community through their live performances at a diverse range of venues, from established music clubs like The Kessler Theater and Dan’s Silverleaf to more unconventional spaces like the UTA Planetarium and PartyGeenius Party Boutique & Balloon Bar. Their presence at events like the She-Rock festival and the Winter GLOW Fest further demonstrates their commitment to engaging with different facets of the local scene.
Helium Queens’ ambitious projects like the “Space Opera” and their consistent engagement with the community highlight their significant contribution to the vibrancy and innovation of the Dallas artistic landscape. They are not just a band; they are a creative force that is building worlds and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Experience the world of Helium Queens:
Broken Prism Studios 