Creation of the Paris Opera Junior Ballet

The Opéra de Paris has announced the creation of a Junior Ballet, a "talent incubator" to recruit 18 dancers aged 17 to 23. This initiative aims to diversify the company's dancer profiles, integrate young professionals, and increase public engagement through external events. Alexander Neef highlighted that the Junior Ballet will foster innovative creation, training, and transmission while preserving the company's heritage, with tours planned in France and abroad.

Open to young dancers from various backgrounds, including the Paris Opera Ballet School, the competition on 2-3 July will select nine women and nine men. They will be hired on professional training contracts starting next September for two years, with six more dancers joining in September 2025.

During their training, participants will master the classical and contemporary repertoire and gain stage experience. The Junior Ballet members will debut in the production of "Sleeping Beauty" at the Bastille from 8 March to 12 July 2025.