The Paris Opera pays tribute to Jean-Claude Ciappara, dancer, choreographer, and teacher, who passed away on September 7, 2025.

Having entered the Paris Opera Ballet School in 1969, Jean-Claude Ciappara went on to join the Ballet and later the G.R.C.O.P (Choreographic Research Group of the Paris Opera), founded and directed by Jacques Garnier. There, until 1989, he took part in numerous creations by Dominique Bagouet, Karole Armitage, Ulysses Dove, Andy de Groat, Lucinda Childs, Claude Brumachon, Philippe Decouflé, and Jacques Garnier himself—including the celebrated Aunis, which Jean-Claude Ciaparra danced alongside Kader Belarbi and Wilfried Romoli.

In 1997, Jean-Claude Ciaparra joined the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMD) as a professor. In 2004, he became Director of Choreographic Studies at the Lyon Conservatoire (CNSMD), where he also oversaw the Jeune Ballet.

He will be remembered as a committed and generous artist, an attentive and passionate teacher who inspired several generations of dancers with a love of rigor and creative freedom.

The Paris Opera extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.