The Paris Opera appointed this Sunday, December 13 Paul Marque, 23, principal dancer, after an exceptionally broadcast online performance of the ballet “La Bayadère” due to the pandemic.
"On the proposal of Aurélie Dupont, director of dance, I have the great pleasure to announce the appointment of Paul Marque star dancer"
, announced Alexander Neef, director general of the Opera, on stage at the end of the ballet.
Read also: Paul Marque, an unborn star
"I was not excpecting that at all. I thought that Alexander Neef and Aurélie Dupont had taken the stage because there was a live, that it was special, that they were going to say a word to the public at home, ”
the young dancer told AFP. .
“I have no words, I am speechless.
I don't realize, it's huge: it's been my dream since I was little ”
.
Supreme Title
The nomination, which is traditionally done in front of the public, is not without surprise because Paul Marque did not play the main role of the warrior Solor, but the minor - but very physical - one of the Golden Idol.
The young dancer, one of the most gifted in the company, however, had replaced at short notice a principal dancer in the role of Solor for the very first rehearsal on Friday.
Star dancer is the supreme title granted to ballet artists at the Paris Opera, after a system of promotion by ranks.
Paul Marque joins 14 other active stars, including five men and nine women.
He entered the Paris Opera Dance School in 2008, before joining the corps de ballet in 2014.
The platform "The Opera at home" was officially launched Sunday with this performance given for a price of 11.90 euros.
According to the Opera, at least 9,800 people paid to see the show online on Sunday.
On a model that mixes free and paid, the platform currently offers a catalog of 34 ballets, operas and concerts.