A star among stars, it was only after a long and difficult road that Dorothée Gilbert succeeded in reaching the ultimate rank in November 2007 after a
performance of The Nutcracker.

Contrary to popular belief, she didn’t get into the prestigious Ecole de danse de l’Opéra national de Paris on the first try. It was only through hard work that she gained a place in the prestigious school on her second attempt, in 1995, at the age of 13. Like many other dancers who have gone on to become soloists or stars of the company, she spent two years as a Quadrille, i.e. replacing members of the corps de ballet.

She won prestigious awards in her first years as a professional dancer: firstly, the Prix AROP de la danse in 2003, then the Cercle Carpeaux in 2004 and the Prix Leonide Massine in Positano, Italy, as well as the Prix Ballet 2000 in Cannes in 2006. Much later, in 2022, she received the Prize for best choreographic performer from the Syndicat professionnel de la Critique Théâtre, Musique et Danse.

The duo she forms with Hugo Marchand, 10 years her junior, has also built a legend. Since their artistic encounter in 2015 during performances of Kenneth MacMillan‘s ballet Manon, the dancers have enchanted Parisian audiences with the intensity of their interpretation.

Dorothée Gilbert is a role model in the world of dance, thanks to her determination and hard work. After the performances of Giselle, she will be back in the Contrastes program with O złożony / O composite by choreographer Trisha Brown.

This is the last full season for the dancer, who turns 42 this season and will bid farewell to the stage in September 2026.

To see Dorothée Gilbert in Giselle, click here, and to see her in Contrastes, click here!

To find out more about the Paris Opera Ballet, click here!

Dorothée Gilbert in rehearsal and on stage in the ballet Giselle – c – Maria-helena Buckley & Agathe Poupeney

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On March 1st, Mathieu Ganio bid farewell to the Parisian stage after a final performance as Onegin in John Cranko’s ballet.

A few weeks later, in April, Ludmila Pagliero will also take her leave from the Palais Garnier stage following a performance of a contemporary program featuring choreographies by Mats Ek and Sharon Eyal. As the first Argentine Étoile of the company, appointed in 2012, Ludmila Pagliero has enriched the institution’s history with her unique journey and commitment on stage.

These departures are part of the natural renewal of the Paris Opera Ballet, creating opportunities for a new generation of dancers to rise on the stages of the Palais Garnier, the Opéra Bastille and worldwide.

This cycle will continue in 2026 with the departure of another emblematic figure, Dorothée Gilbert. After a career filled with major roles, she will take her final bow in a performance of Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, following in the footsteps of Aurélie Dupont. She will likely be joined by her longtime partner, Hugo Marchand.

A new chapter will then begin for the company, carried forward by the legacy of these stars who continue to shape its history.

To go seeing Ludmila Pagliero before she bid farewell to the parisian stage, click here! 

Mathieu Ganio & Ludmila Pagliero –  c – IkAubert

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On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, the large advertising banner covering its façade since April 2023 is expected to be removed soon. This banner, however, foreshadows future renovation work, focusing primarily on the stage machinery, the fly system, the orchestra pit, and the stage frame. Starting in July 2027, the Palais Garnier will close for a two-year period—far too long for music lovers around the world!

To go to a representation at the Palais Garnier, click there !

Palais Garnier – c – Elena Bauer (OnP)

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