Watch this mixed ballet bill filmed in October 2025 at the Opéra Bastille!

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Corybantic Games (saison 25/26) - Roxane Stojanov et Naïs Duboscq 

MHB_4193_CORYBANTIC GAMES_ WHEELDON_ Roxane Stojanov et Naïs Duboscq © Maria-Helena Buckley OnP

Balanchine / November / Wheeldon

ROOTS

Entitled Roots, this programme explores those of George Balanchine who, in Theme and Variations, created in 1947 in New York, adopted Tchaikovsky’s music to pay homage to the Russian academic tradition that nurtured him. Christopher Wheeldon, for his part, draws on the heritage of ancient Greece for his ballet Corybantic Games, making its repertoire debut at the Opera. The title refers as much to the frenzy that characterised the conducting style of Leonard Bernstein – whose music informs the piece – as it does to the Corybantes, the priests of the goddess Cybele with their martial dances. Finally, Rhapsodies enters the repertoire to George Gershwin’s score. In his piece, Cape Town-born choreographer Mthuthuzeli November evokes both urban energy and his African origins.

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Racines_VI

Entitled Roots, this programme explores those of George Balanchine who, in Theme and Variations, created in 1947 in New York, adopted Tchaikovsky’s music to pay homage to the Russian academic tradition that nurtured him.Christopher Wheeldon, for his 

George Balanchine / Mthuthuzeli‎ November / Christopher‎ Wheeldon

Roots

Poor Madame Butterfly! The 15-year-old geisha, who has renounced her family and Japanese traditions for the love of an American naval officer, finds herself abandoned in favour of a Western wife. Giacomo Puccini used this classic theme of a woman seduced and abandoned to create an opera with lush orchestration and burning lyricism. Premiered in 1904 at La Scala Milan, his score, full of oriental colours, vividly conveys the contrast between Lieutenant Pinkerton’s brutality and the vulnerability of Butterfly, who is as fragile as a butterfly’s wings. For Robert Wilson, this Japanese tragedy proves the ideal environment in which to display his signature formalism. Far from the traditional fans and cherry branches, the director uses stylised acting and a stripped-down space to allow the melodic lines to blossom in all their purity.

 Directed by François Roussillon A co-production by the Paris Opera, François Roussillon et Associés, with the participation of France Télévisions With the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts, and the Cercle POP, and with the assistance of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée This stage production is supported by AFPOB, American Friends of the Paris Opera and Ballet. International TV distribution – Telmondis Distribution © Opéra national de Paris - François Roussillon et Associés - 2024

Cio‑Cio‑San: Known as “Madama Butterfly”, a fifteen-year-old Japanese girl Suzuki: Her servant F. B. Pinkerton: A lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Sharpless: American Consul in Nagasaki Lo Zio Bonzo: Cio‑Cio‑San’s uncle Il Principe Yamadori: A rich Japanese prince Kate Pinkerton: Pinkerton’s legal American wife Goro: The marriage broker

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Madama Butterfly_trailer

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Madama Butterfly_VI

Poor Madame Butterfly! The 15-year-old geisha, who has renounced her family and Japanese traditions for the love of an American naval officer, finds herself abandoned in favour of a Western wife. Giacomo Puccini used this classic theme of a woman sed

Giacomo Puccini

Madama Butterfly

At the Paris Opera, dancer Chun Wing Lam traces his journey from Hong Kong to the stage, asking: What truly belongs to him?

In this lyrical short documentary, Chun Wing Lam reflects on identity, sacrifice, and artistry. Shot with haunting simplicity, “What Belongs to You” reveals how every gesture onstage is shaped by personal history and quiet longing.CASTChun-Wing Lam as himself Charlton Chan - Young Chun-Wing Lam Yin King Law as herself Kim Ping Lam as himself Dancers - Emilia Sambor , Félicie Cunat PRODUCERSHarrison GarretClément De Hollogne Director of photographySérei Ouk EditorHarrison Garret Music score and Sound designHugo Dubery (Le Ministère Studio)Philippe Galtier (Le Ministère Studio) Color GradingThomas Martin PARIS PRODUCTIONAssistant Director - Johann JusteSteadicam - Carl Patisson1st AC - Alizée DebarryGaffer - Fleur ChampanhetProduction manager - Julien KersaudyProduction Assistant - Alma TeschnerCatering &amp; PA - Quitterie Michele HONG KONG PRODUCTIONExecutive Producer - Wong Ying YingProduction Manager - Raymond SinProduction Assistant - Fat ChauSteadicam Operator - Christopher Tang1st AC - Stone LamGrip - Maneejan AtsadawuthLighting - Louis Leung Jean M Wong School of BalletLiat Chen - Director Special thanksRichard ChevallierJean-Yves KacedLiat Chen&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

What belongs to you Chun Wing Lam - Still 2025-07-19 234721_1.98.1

What belongs to you

At the Paris Opera, dancer Chun Wing Lam traces his journey from Hong Kong to the stage, asking: What truly belongs to him? 

 In this lyrical short documentary, Chun Wing Lam reflects on identity, sacrifice, and artistry. Shot with haunting simpli

Chun Wing Lam

In July 2024, eighteen young dancers from around the world were selected through the Paris Opera Ballet company's external entrance competition. They make up the inaugural class of the Junior Ballet, a new and ambitious company.For these artists, aged between seventeen and twenty-three, joining the Paris Opera is a dream come true and marks the beginning of a two-year journey. This documentary was made possible with the support of the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera’s audiovisual broadcasts, the Cercle POP, sponsors of the Paris Opera's audiovisual and digital projects, and Lexus, partner of POP’s original productions. The Junior Ballet benefits from the exceptional support of CHANEL.© Opéra national de Paris - 2025

Capture d’écran 2025-10-24 à 14.43.12

Junior Ballet: Dreaming, dancing, together

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Junior Ballet: Dreaming, dancing, together - Episode 1

In July 2024, eighteen young dancers from around the world were selected through the Paris Opera Ballet company's external entrance competition. They make up the inaugural class of the Junior Ballet, a new and ambitious company. For these artists, ag

Episode 1 - Artists Return to Work

Junior Ballet: dreaming, dancing, together - 1/4

The pace is picking up. The Junior Ballet must master a demanding repertoire in preparation for the tour scheduled for May. George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, José Martinez, not to mention Noé Soulier... so many different styles and choreographies that are sometimes difficult to master.Technique, emotion, discipline, auditions: the young artists learn and progress every day. As the days go by, the group bonds around a common goal: dancing together. This documentary was made possible with the support of the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera’s audiovisual broadcasts, the Cercle POP, sponsors of the Paris Opera's audiovisual and digital projects, and Lexus, partner of POP’s original productions. The Junior Ballet benefits from the exceptional support of CHANEL.© Opéra national de Paris - 2025

Junior Ballet - documentaire POP rêver, danser, ensemble

Junior Ballet: Dreaming, dancing, together - Episode 2

The pace is picking up. The Junior Ballet must master a demanding repertoire in preparation for the tour scheduled for May. George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, José Martinez, not to mention Noé Soulier... so many different style

Episode 2 - Let's get to work!

Junior Ballet: dreaming, dancing, together - 2/4

New releases this month

In July 2024, eighteen young dancers from around the world were selected through the Paris Opera’s external audition process. They form the first class of the Junior Ballet—a new and ambitious company within the institution. For these artists, aged seventeen to twenty-three, joining the Paris Opera is a dream come true and the beginning of a two-year journey. Very quickly, the pace intensifies as the group takes on a demanding repertoire—from Balanchine to Béjart, and from Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to Noé Soulier. Technique, emotion, and discipline intertwine, while the ensemble grows closer around a shared goal: to dance together. From the studios to the stage, from behind-the-scenes rehearsals to public performances, the young artists discover the realities of their profession—its challenges, joys, and fatigue. A tour across France and Europe marks the culmination of an intense year filled with progress, encounters, and shared emotions. Junior Ballet: dreaming, dancing, together tells the story of this human and artistic adventure, in which eighteen rising talents learn to dream, grow, and dance as one.A four-episode documentary series directed by Anne-Solen Douguet. Episodes 3 and 4 will be available starting December 1.&nbsp;

In July 2024, eighteen young dancers from around the world were selected through the Paris Opera’s external audition process. They form the first clas

Watch here all the episodes of the documentary series Graines d'étoiles (Budding stars), which follows the lives of the students of the Ecole de Danse over ten years, from 2013 to 2023.

The beginning of the future dancers' school year is an intense experience as it crystallises their early commitment to adult life. How do the younger pupils (9 to 12 years) experience it, and how do the older pupils (15 to 18 years) prepare for it?On what inner strengths and convictions do the pupils base their decisions? What forms do their desires take? What do they draw on, and with what tools do they equip themselves, to deal with being far from their families? And how do they stay in contact with them? (there is a Korean pupil, a Chinese pupil, Italian pupils, pupils from the French provinces and they all use Skype) How do the teachers introduce the pupils to the new school year? What memories do the teachers have of their own new school years, and what do they bear in mind when addressing their new pupils? Behind the vast array of preparatory activities for the beginning of the school year, the extent of expectations at the school becomes implicit.This first film will recount the "climbing on board", influenced here and there by the memories of new school years experienced 30 years earlier by those accompanying the pupils as they join the dance. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 1

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 1 : La rentrée (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 1: The New School Year

The beginning of the future dancers' school year is an intense experience as it crystallises their early commitment to adult life. How do the younger pupils (9 to 12 years) experience it, and how do the older pupils (15 to 18 years) prepare for it? O

Episode 1 - The New School Year

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 1

As the daily practice of hard work is becoming part of life at the school, with the pupils rehearsing the same movements over and over again to gain suppleness, another practice is underway: finding the personalities of the pupils.The younger ones are introduced to expression work via three subjects: mime, corporal expression and folklore. For the older pupils, this work continues with "character dance".This second film will track the quest for movement and what it expresses, in the search for the creative resources each dancer possesses.How do the pupils gradually gain the autonomy they need to make their dream come true? We can measure how far they have come by looking at how the older pupils' behaviour differs from that of the younger pupils. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 2

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 2 : Au travail (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 2: To work

As the daily practice of hard work is becoming part of life at the school, with the pupils rehearsing the same movements over and over again to gain suppleness, another practice is underway: finding the personalities of the pupils. The younger ones a

Episode 2 - To work

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 2

The dance school requires the pupils to have a good level in subjects right across the board, whether in dance, maths or French. Dance classes take part in the afternoons and mornings are set aside for schooling. The pupils follow a general curriculum that will take them through to the Baccalaureate, in which the school can be proud of its 100% pass rate.The timetable also includes other activities, such as visits to the school nurse and physiotherapist, learning about nutrition, and receiving support from the school head.The pupils seek comfort, help and care from these resource workers. This chapter will look at what we can learn about the birth of a dancer, via the interwoven perspectives of those who accompany them and via small events or incidents that are part of the school year.  A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 3

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Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 3 : Les progrès (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 3: Progress

The dance school requires the pupils to have a good level in subjects right across the board, whether in dance, maths or French. Dance classes take part in the afternoons and mornings are set aside for schooling. The pupils follow a general curriculu

Episode 3 - Progress

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 3

Two events, in association with the Opéra de Paris, mark life at the dance school. The first, the "Dance School Demonstrations" takes place in December. In these demonstrations, dance lessons are given exactly as they take place at the school, except these are in public and on stage at the Palais Garnier.The event, which includes three performances, is highly popular among a "specialist" audience of dance professionals and pupils from many dance courses. It is also a highlight for the pupils' families. This makes it an all-important event in the life of the school, as it opens up its cocoon for a day.The younger pupils will take their maiden steps on a stage steeped in legend. For the older pupils, it is the opportunity to become familiar with the feeling of being evaluated and being compared to each other. They experience both the pleasure and pride of being part of a family as well as the desire to stand out from that family. These are the basics of working within a corps de ballet.  A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 4

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Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 4 : Un monde à part (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 4: A World Apart

Two events, in association with the Opéra de Paris, mark life at the dance school. The first, the "Dance School Demonstrations" takes place in December. In these demonstrations, dance lessons are given exactly as they take place at the school, except

Episode 4 - A World Apart

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 4

Violette Verdy, the French ballerina and one of the most famous dancers at the New York City Ballet run by George Balanchine, will lead the pupils of the school's 2nd and 3rd division this year, as they dance to a piece by Johannes Brahms, Variations on a Theme of Paganini. Verdy created the original choreography for the piece while she was director of dance at the Opera de Paris.This film provides the opportunity to look into what differentiates the genres in the classical approach to dance, via the technical performances that are expected of the girls and boys. The online availability of numerous extracts of choreographies, interviews with dancers, and ballet recordings modifies the expectations of the trainee dancers. Whilst providing them with all sorts of technical and artistic information, the variety of issues this material raises strengthens the special relationship between master and pupil.Violette Verdy's choreography, which will feature in the school's end-of-year performance, will be danced at the Palais Garnier in April, and will constitute a highpoint in the life of the young dancers. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 5

BUDDING STARS

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 5 : En scène (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 5: On stage

Violette Verdy, the French ballerina and one of the most famous dancers at the New York City Ballet run by George Balanchine, will lead the pupils of the school's 2nd and 3rd division this year, as they dance to a piece by Johannes Brahms, Variations

Episode 5 - On stage

The pupils of the 1st division will spend their last year at the school before the final exam that will determine their entry into professional life. By now, they have acquired a maturity and a way of thinking that should have made artists of them.This sixth chapter will also come full circle by critically highlighting the questions and professions of faith revealed by the pupils six years their junior, in the first film. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 6

2 DANSEUSES

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 6 : Le temps des épreuves (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 6: Exam time

The pupils of the 1st division will spend their last year at the school before the final exam that will determine their entry into professional life. By now, they have acquired a maturity and a way of thinking that should have made artists of them.  

Episode 6 - Exam time

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 6

The rehearsals of one of the greatest classical ballets of all times – Swan Lake – with choreography by Rudolf Nureyev are starting. Before even thinking about dancing solo, young dancers need to merge into a broader movement moving in the same breath. Most of them are only substitutes for now. We will reconnect with Roxane, Alice, Julien, Chun Wing, Ida, Eugénie, Margherita and Alexandre… All of whom will recall their journey and their transformations since their entry into the ballet corps – as well as their reflections upon the universe of classical dancing.They question the image of women in Swan Lake. This image of desirable naivety and her submission to men's desire are unambiguous. Broad-shouldered, protective men and supple, slender women complete this picture of 19th century gender roles... This ballet remains a staple for all who start in classical dance, like Chun Wing who – as a child in Hong-Kong – used to have all the DVD versions that his father could find. His family is seeing him for the first time on the Palais Garnier stage. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 1 :  Danser classique

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.1 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 1 : Danser classique

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 1: Classical Dancing

The rehearsals of one of the greatest classical ballets of all times – Swan Lake – with choreography by Rudolf Nureyev are starting. Before even thinking about dancing solo, young dancers need to merge into a broader movement moving in the same breat

Episode 1 - Classical Dancing

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 1

Antonio, Marion, Pablo, Simon, Héloïse and Clémence prepare a performance played alternatively and including three choreographies by Jiří Kylián. Here the hierarchy of classical ballet does not matter; guest choreographers pick the dancers who play the soloist parts. Thus Antonio will work alongside prima ballerina Dorothée Gilbert in Tar and Feathers while Pablo and Simon will shine together in Bella Figura and Symphony of Psalms.Another relationship with dance is revealing itself. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

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Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 2 : La liberté d'être soi

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.2 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 2 : La liberté d'être soi

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 2: The Freedom of Being Oneself

Antonio, Marion, Pablo, Simon, Héloïse and Clémence prepare a performance played alternatively and including three choreographies by Jiří Kylián. Here the hierarchy of classical ballet does not matter; guest choreographers pick the dancers who play t

Episode 2 - The Freedom of Being Oneself

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 2

For those who enter the Paris Opera's ballet corps, competition continues within the company. If they do not need to run after seasonal contracts anymore, all dancers aspire to be in the spotlight. The internal competitions for promotion offers them that chance every year.The entry rank is the Quadrille, they are often substitutes. To guarantee yourself a spot on the stage you need to reach the rank of Coryphée. Sujets, Premiers Danseurs and Étoiles – the highest ranks – will then share the demi-soloist and soloist parts.The candidates present two variations: one is compulsory and the other is free – which will enable them to showcase their strengths, their personality and to attract a professional jury's attention: dancers, professors, choreographers...Alice, Antonio, Roxane, Pablo, Julien, Ida, Marion and Chun Wing are applying this year. During the months of preparation before the exam stress, excitement and exhaustion are peaking. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

0301_ANTONIO_ALICE_TOIT_OPERA_Graines detoiles©Schuch_Productions

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 3 :  Le chemin des étoiles (FR)

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.3 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 3 : Le chemin des étoiles

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 3: The Path of the Stars

For those who enter the Paris Opera's ballet corps, competition continues within the company. If they do not need to run after seasonal contracts anymore, all dancers aspire to be in the spotlight. The internal competitions for promotion offers them 

Episode 3 - The Path to the Stars

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 3

Aurélien, Milo, Jack and Luna are rehearsing the ballet Raymonda that will be running during the dance school's annual show at the Opéra Garnier. They are almost 17. This year will also see the Gala des Ecoles being held – which will be attended by students from foreign dance schools. It will be a great occasion to compare techniques and teachings as well as talk about the future – the commitments and possibilities offered abroad.Estéban, Tommaso and Balthazar are from the Opéra's dance school; they have been admitted to the San Francisco Ballet School. The Anhaltische Theater of Dessau's company (former East-Germany) is now comprised of eight dancers. Marin is cumulating the soloist roles, like this time in The Miraculous Mandarin. In Paris, Marin meets up with Simon – who works at the Opéra – they have the same job but one has a fixed-term contract and the other has a permanent one. One word that makes their lives radically different. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

0405_JACK_1_©Schuch_Productions

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 4 : L'envol

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.4 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 4 : L'envol

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 4: The Flight

Aurélien, Milo, Jack and Luna are rehearsing the ballet Raymonda that will be running during the dance school's annual show at the Opéra Garnier. They are almost 17.  This year will also see the Gala des Ecoles being held – which will be attended by 

Episode 4 - Taking Off

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 4

Watch here all the episodes of the documentary series Graines d'étoiles (Budding stars), which follows the lives of the students of the Ecole de Danse

Budding stars - Seasons 1, 2 and 3

Enter the dazzling world of classical ballet, and let yourself be transported by the masterpieces that have left their mark on the history of dance and the Paris Opera Ballet.From the timeless poetry of <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/swan-lake-season-18-19">Swan Lake</a> to the fiery brilliance of <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/don-quichotte">Don Quixote</a>, and the exotic splendor of <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/la-bayadere">La Bayadère</a>, stream Marius Petipa's great ballets, restaged by <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/rudolf-nureyev">Rudolf Nureyev</a> at the Paris Opera.Explore as well the works that were first created at the Paris Opera: <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/giselle">Giselle</a>, the very essence of Romantic ballet; <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/la-source">La Source</a>, choreographed by Jean-Guillaume Bart to Léo Delibes’ luminous score; and the resplendent <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/p/paquita-2">Paquita</a>, revived in its full version by Pierre Lacotte in 2001.Discover more: <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/ballet">All Ballets</a> - <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/neoclassical-ballets">Neoclassical Ballet</a> - <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/contemporary-dance">Contemporary Dance</a> - <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/behind-the-scenes-of-the-paris-opera-ballet">Behind the Scenes of the Paris Opera Ballet</a> - <a href="https://play.operadeparis.fr/en/catalogue/opera">Opera</a>

Inspired by Marius Petipa’s choreography, Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote is a true celebration of dance with a Spanish flavour. The soloists and the Corps de Ballet are carried away in ensembles and pas de deux to the strains of a spirited score. Written in the 17th century, Cervantes’ novel recounts the adventures of Don Quixote, an idealist and bookworm who one day decides to ride across Spain with the naive Sancho Panza. In Nureyev’s ballet they meet Kitri and Basilio. The two lovers use every trick in the book – from a puppet performance to a fake suicide – to be reunited, despite Kitri’s father’s resistance. In the end it is Don Quixote who delivers the happy ending after battling windmills and crossing paths with Cupid, Dulcinea and the Queen of the Dryads. The costumes and colourful sets sublimate a vivacious and entertaining work. The Etoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraA co-production of the Paris Opera, ARTE France and François Roussillon et Associés, with the support of the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts, and the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée.

<ul><li>Kitri: Lorenzo’s daughter, in love with Basilio but betrothed to Gamache</li><li>Basilio: Penniless barber, in love with Kitri</li><li>Don Quixote: Knight errant who sets out to conquer the world</li><li>Camacho: Rich peasant, betrothed to Kitri</li><li>Lorenzo: Innkeeper, Kitri’s father</li><li>Sancho Panza: Don Quichotte’s loyal squire</li><li>The Queen of the Dryads: Nymph and guardian of the forests</li></ul>

DONQ_240321_YKellerman_0547_DON QUICHOTTE_ R Noureev_Sae Eun Park (c) Yonathan Kellerman OnP

DONQ_240321_YKellerman_0777_DON QUICHOTTE_ R Noureev_Paul Marque Sae Eun Park (c) Yonathan Kellerman OnP

Don Quixote (2024)_trailer

Don Quixote (2024)

Inspired by Marius Petipa’s choreography, Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote is a true celebration of dance with a Spanish flavour. The soloists and the Corps de Ballet are carried away in ensembles and pas de deux to the strains of a spirited score.Writte

Rudolf Nureyev

“When I recreate a ballet, I search for the fragrance of the period”, said dancer and choreographer Pierre Lacotte, who died in 2023. In Paquita, that perfume is the heady scent of Spain, mixed with elegant French fragrances.In the Valley of the Bulls, near Saragossa occupied by Napoleon’s armies, Paquita, a young gypsy girl, refuses the advances of an aristocrat, Lucien d’Hervilly, because of her modest condition. But when she saves him from a plot hatched by the Spanish governor, she discovers that her origins are far nobler than she thought… Pierre Lacotte, a lover of the Romantic repertoire, reconstructed Joseph Mazilier’s ballet in 2001. The work had enchanted Théophile Gautier when it premiered at the Paris Opera in 1846 but gradually fell into oblivion despite Marius Petipa’s new version in 1882. With its sumptuous sets and costumes, his Paquita portrays a picturesque Spain combining mime and characterful dances with dazzingly vivacious virtuoso technique.

MHB_1263 copy

Paquita

“When I recreate a ballet, I search for the fragrance of the period”, said dancer and choreographer Pierre Lacotte, who died in 2023. In Paquita, that perfume is the heady scent of Spain, mixed with elegant French fragrances. In the Valley of the Bul

Pierre Lacotte

The final work of a life utterly devoted to dance, La Bayadère by Rudolf Nureyev has become one of the jewels of the Paris Opera Ballet’s repertoire. First performed in 1992, La Bayadère recounts the ill-fated loves of the dancer Nikiya and the noble warrior Solor, promised to the redoubtable Gamzatti, in an imaginary India complete with elephants, tigers and palanquins.Rudolf Nureyev adapted the choreography by Marius Petipa – to music by Ludwig Minkus – restructuring it to include virtuosi variations and large‑scale ensemble movements. The celebrated Royaume des Ombres (Kingdom of Shadows) in Act III is considered to be one of the summits of choreographic art.Unfailingly popular at the Paris Opera, the spectacular richness of Ezio Frigerio’s decors and costumes by Franca Squarciapino make La Bayadère a flamboyant spectacle. The Etoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraUne production de l’Opéra national de ParisDirector: Isabelle Julien © Opéra national de Paris - 2020 Picture: © Little Shao / OnP

<ul><li>Solor: A noble and valiant warrior from the Indian kingdom of Golconda. He is in love with Nikiya.</li><li>Nikiya: Temple dancer and guardian of the Temple’s sacred fire. She is in love with Solor.</li><li>The High Brahmin: High priest of the temple. He is secretly in love with Nikiya.</li><li>The Rajah of Golconda: Monarch of the kingdom, father of Gamzatti. He wants her to marry Solor.</li><li>Gamzatti: The daughter of the Rajah of Golconda and Solor’s fiancée.</li><li>The Kshatriyas: Friends of Solor and members of the caste holding temporal power.</li><li>The Slave: Dances with Nikiya at the betrothal of Gamzatti and Solor.</li><li>Aiya: Gamzatti’s servant.</li><li>The Golden Idol: Incarnation evoking the god Shiva, holding the position of the lotus flower.</li><li>The Shades: The ghosts of dead bayadères.</li></ul>

Live Bayadere

La Bayadère_trailer

La Bayadère

The ballet is decked out in its finest jewels with Les Néréides

Jewels in Ballet with Les Néréides

The final work of a life utterly devoted to dance, La Bayadère by Rudolf Nureyev has become one of the jewels of the Paris Opera Ballet’s repertoire. First performed in 1992, La Bayadère recounts the ill-fated loves of the dancer Nikiya and the noble

Rudolf Noureev

Charles Perrault’s celebrated tale, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev, is transposed to a film set. In a series of references to the heroes of the American cinema, Rudolf Nureyev propels his Cinderella under the spotlights of Hollywood.With a producer for fairy godmother and a star actor as Prince Charming, she escapes her miserable destiny and sees her dreams come true in a story not without similarities with that of the choreographer, the young Tartar who became an international star.With this “ballet‑metaphor”, the Company pays tribute to its former director Rudolf Nureyev. A great production that celebrates the opening of the Paris Opera’s anniversary year. The Paris Opera Étoiles, Premiers Danseurs and Corps de Ballet Pasdeloup OrchestraAn Arte France, Paris Opera, Bel Air Media coproduction with the support of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée and the Orange Foundation, patron of audiovisual broadcasts by the Paris Opera© Opéra national de Paris - ARTE France - BEL AIR MEDIA – 2018 Picture: © Yonathan Kellerman / OnP

2018-19-CENDRILLON Valentine Colasante (c) Yonathan Kellerman-Onp

2018-19-CENDR-021 (c) Yonathan Kellerman-Onp

Cinderella_trailer

Cinderella

Charles Perrault’s celebrated tale, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev, is transposed to a film set. In a series of references to the heroes of the American cinema, Rudolf Nureyev propels his Cinderella under the spotlights of Hollywood. With a produce

In Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky took up the legend of the immaculate bird to create some of the most beautiful music ever written for ballet. The choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov left their distinguished mark on this story of an impossible love between an earthly prince and a bird‑princess, refashioning the myth of the swan‑dancer, the ultimate ballerina.When creating his version for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1984, Rudolf Nureyev chose to give it a Freudian dimension, illuminating Tchaikovsky’s poetic dream through a sense of profound hopelessness. The Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraA co-production by the Paris Opera and Telmondis, with the participation of France Télévisions, and the support of the CNC and the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts.Director: François-René Martin © Opéra national de Paris – Telmondis – 2019 Picture: © Julien Benhamou / OnP

<ul><li>Siegfried: Young prince in love with Odette, he swears fidelity to her and seeks to save her from her curse. Unfortunately he is deceived by Rothbart and Odile.</li><li>Odette: Young princess transformed into a swan by Rothbart, only eternal love can free her.</li><li>Odile: Rothbart’s daughter, she takes the appearance of Odette to trick Siegfried.</li><li>Rothbart: A huge bird of prey, he transforms young women into swans and prevents Siegfried and Odette’s union.</li><li>Wolfgang: The Prince’s tutor, he mysteriously disappears when Rothbart appears.</li></ul>

DSC_6405 (c) Julien Benhamou - OnP

Swan Lake (2018)_trailer

Swan Lake (season 18/19)

In Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky took up the legend of the immaculate bird to create some of the most beautiful music ever written for ballet. The choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov left their distinguished mark on this story of an impossible love 

Swan Lake (2018)

A comic yet tragic universal figure lost in his own world and out of place in the world of his contemporaries, ridiculous yet imposing, admirable yet pitiful, Don Quixote knows neither deceitfulness, abnegation, nor betrayal. The loss of his ideals and the surrender of principles: this was the death of Don Quixote.From the 17th century onwards, the character has inspired numerous avatars, not just literary ones, but in the fields of music and dance too. Their authors only had to draw from the abundance of episodes in the Cervantes novel—a veritable catalogue of adventures and anecdotes—which never fails to provide subject matter for artists short on inspiration.During the 19th century, all of Spain became a source of artistic creativity, almost to the point of cliché. Harsh, noble or picturesque, the work offers the best of itself through Mérimée’s pen, Bizet’s baton or Edouard Manet’s brush.With Marius Petipa, it gave rise to several ballets, including the famous Don Quixote. In Moscow and then Saint Petersburg, it was the same resounding success in successive adaptations by Petipa himself or by Alexander Gorski.The episode from the novel retained by the choreographer, the wedding of Kitri and Basil, paints the happiest aspect of the story. The shimmering colours and the character dances, together with the whirlwind of gypsies and beautiful Andalusian girls, were a huge success with audiences, won over as much by the new choreographic style as by the Iberian exoticism.In the following century, a young dancer by the name of Rudolf Nureyev would himself triumph in the very ballet that made the the Russian School famous. His memories of the work would accompany him to France where he revived it. In 1966, Nureyev staged his version of Don Quixote for the Vienna Opera Ballet, before revising it for its entry into the repertoire of the Paris Opera in 1981.Since then, the Knight of the sad face has never really left the stage of the Opera. Presented since 2002 with new sets and costumes inspired by the paintings of Goya, each of its appearances enjoys the same endlessly renewed triumph. The Etoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraA co-production of Opéra de Paris Production, ARTE France and François Roussillon et Associés with the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts, and the assistance of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée.Director: François Roussillon © 2012 – Opéra national de Paris production – ARTE France – François Roussillon et AssociésPicture: © Julien Benhamou / OnP

<ul><li>Kitri: Lorenzo’s daughter, in love with Basilio but betrothed to Gamache</li><li>Basilio: Penniless barber, in love with Kitri</li><li>Don Quixote: Knight errant who sets out to conquer the world</li><li>Camacho: Rich peasant, betrothed to Kitri</li><li>Lorenzo: Innkeeper, Kitri’s father</li><li>Sancho Panza: Don Quichotte’s loyal squire</li><li>The Queen of the Dryads: Nymph and guardian of the forests</li></ul>

Don Quichotte

Don Quichotte_trailer

A comic yet tragic universal figure lost in his own world and out of place in the world of his contemporaries, ridiculous yet imposing, admirable yet pitiful, Don Quixote knows neither deceitfulness, abnegation, nor betrayal. The loss of his ideals a

Don Quixote (2012)

Drawing on ancient Slavic and Norse mythology where destiny is often born out of the mysterious forces of nature, Swan Lake has become a legend in its own right. Tchaikovsky’s first ballet score is imbued with a deep sense of nostalgia, echoing the composer’s own experience of love as elusive as it was impossible.However the work remained misunderstood until 1895 when Marius Petipa undertook his own choreographic interpretation. With the help of Lev Ivanov, Petipa created majestic figures for the female corps de ballet and breathed life into the swan‑dancer.In Rudolf Nureyev’s “Freudian” version, conceived for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1984, Prince Siegfried, manipulated by the evil Rothbart, shuns the realities of power and marriage to take refuge in dreams where a magic lake symbolizing idealised love appears to him.Nureyev elevated the role of the prince to that of the heroine by giving him a deeper psychological dimension whilst opting to give this masterly action ballet a tragic denouement more in tune with its musical substance. The Etoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraA co-production of the Paris National Opera and François Roussillon et Associés, with the participation of Medici.tv / MUSEEC, the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris National Opera's audiovisual broadcasts, and with the assistance of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image animée.Director: François Roussillon © Opéra national de Paris - François Roussillon et Associés - 2016Picture: © Svetlana Loboff / OnP

20161201-LAC-Loboff-06

Le Lac des cygnes

Swan Lake_trailer

Swan Lake

Bastille salle

Performance at the Opera Bastille, from 21 June to 14 July 2024

Drawing on ancient Slavic and Norse mythology where destiny is often born out of the mysterious forces of nature, Swan Lake has become a legend in its own right. Tchaikovsky’s first ballet score is imbued with a deep sense of nostalgia, echoing the c

Swan Lake (2016)

A legendary and fantastical Persia becomes the backdrop of the thwarted love triangle uniting the hunter Djémil, the beautiful Nouredda - engaged to the Khan- and Naïla, the water sprite.In his first creation for the Paris Opera Ballet, Etoile dancer Jean-Guillaume Bart revived an almost-forgotten ballet of the repertoire, originally premiered in 1866 at the Paris Opera.In a close collaboration with playwright Clément Hervieu-Léger, Jean-Guillaume Bart gave back to La Source its original freshness.He created a wonderful danced tale, poetic and virtuosic, enhanced by Christian Lacroix’s flamboyant costumes and Eric Ruf’s evocative stage set. The Etoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera OrchestraA co-production of the Paris National Opera - François Roussillon et Associés - 2011 With the participation of France Télévisions, the support of the CNC and the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts.Director: François RoussillonPicture: © Anne Deniau / OnP

2014-15-SOURC-091

La Source 

La Source_trailer

La Source

A legendary and fantastical Persia becomes the backdrop of the thwarted love triangle uniting the hunter Djémil, the beautiful Nouredda - engaged to the Khan- and Naïla, the water sprite. In his first creation for the Paris Opera Ballet, Etoile dance

Jean-Guillaume Bart

Immerse yourself in a ballet evening at the Palais Garnier. A unique event, the sumptuous Ballet Défilé gathers the Étoiles, soloists and Corps de Ballet dancers and all the students of the Dance School. A dazzling spectacle unveiling the stage up to the Foyer de la danse. The Ballet School students take the spotlight with Ivan Clustine's Suite de danses, an homage to the French school infused with Russian influences from Fokine's Les Sylphides. Set to Chopin's music, the choreographic style born from Romanticism paves the way for 20th-century modernism.A virtuosic showcase of classical technique, Études invites the audience to follow the dancers' work at the barre in the shadows, culminating in a grand display with the entire corps de ballet in the spotlight.Finally, three dancers from the Opera Ballet present Aunis by Jacques Garnier, a ballet evoking the influences of folklore on classical dance. With the Paris Opera Étoiles, Soloists, Corps de Ballet and Ballet School The Paris Opera Orchestra conducted by Frédéric Laroque With the participation of France Télévisions, the support of the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée and the Fondation Orange, sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual and digital projects.Director: François Roussillon © Opéra national de Paris – 2014 Picture: © Sébastien Mathé / OnP

Etudes Harald Lander saison 14-15

Ballet Evening at the Palais Garnier_trailer

Ballet Evening at the Palais Garnier

The ballet is decked out in its finest jewels with Les Néréides

Immerse yourself in a ballet evening at the Palais Garnier. A unique event, the sumptuous Ballet Défilé gathers the Étoiles, soloists and Corps de Ballet dancers and all the students of the Dance School. A dazzling spectacle unveiling the stage up to

Défilé / Études / Suite de danses / Aunis

Numerous choreographers have delved into Shakespeare to find dramatic material for their ballets, beginning with Jean-Georges Noverre, an ardent defender of the “action ballet” and Marius Petipa, who was the first to use Mendelssohn’s stage music. George Balanchine, who also loved the score, would prove no exception.In 1962 he created his version of Shakespeare’s comedy for New York City Ballet. Faithful to the Bard’s vocabulary whilst adding a subtle touch of pantomime, he portrays a complex love story in two acts and six scenes.Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, become caught up in a domestic quarrel between the king of the elves and the queen of the fairies which results in the intervention of the mischievous Puck and his magic potion along with a troupe of amateur actors. The denouement is celebrated in the form of a grand virtuoso entertainment.One of George Balanchine’s rare narrative ballets, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is entering the Paris Opera Ballet’s repertoire. The sets and costumes for this production have been designed by another magician of the stage, Christian Lacroix. The Étoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet, with the participation of the Paris Opera Ballet School students Paris Opera Orchestra and ChorusA co-production of Opéra national de Paris and Telmondis With the participation of France Télévisions, NHK With the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts And with the support of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée.Director: Vincent Bataillon © Opéra national de Paris - Telmondis - 2017Picture: © Agathe Poupeney / OnP

<ul><li>Titania: Queen of the Fairies</li><li>Oberon: King of the Fairies</li><li>Hermia: In love with Lysander</li><li>Lysander: Beloved of Hermia</li><li>Helena: In love with Demetrius</li><li>Demetrius: Suitor to Hermia</li><li>Hippolyta: Queen of the Amazons</li><li>Theseus: Duke of Athens</li><li>Bottom</li><li>A weaver  </li><li>Puck</li><li>The first Butterfly</li><li>Divertissement’s Principals</li></ul>

Le songe d'une nuit d'été

A Midsummer Night's Dream_trailer

Numerous choreographers have delved into Shakespeare to find dramatic material for their ballets, beginning with Jean-Georges Noverre, an ardent defender of the “action ballet” and Marius Petipa, who was the first to use Mendelssohn’s stage music. Ge

George Balanchine

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Enter the dazzling world of classical ballet, and let yourself be transported by the masterpieces that have left their mark on the history of dance an

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