"Discovering the widest possible repertoire "
Aurélie Dupont

It is my wish that the 2017/ 2018 season’s programme allow the public and the dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet to savour the widest possible repertoire: given our institution’s history and vocation, its artists cannot be exclusively classical nor solely contemporary. Only by embracing the widest range of repertoires can they truly offer the best of their art.

The role of the Paris Opera is as much about introducing the most exciting and innovative new choreographers as passing on a classical repertoire that illustrates the tradition which is the very essence of the Ballet. We must not forget both the fragility and the force of this transmission: the great classical ballets need to be passed down from generation to generation by the dancers themselves. The richness of a company is measured by its ability to maintain the repertoire as well as the talent of its dancers to convey that repertoire through their bodies.

This season will be an opportunity to discover new ballets created for the Paris Opera by Alexander Ekman, Hofesh Shechter, Saburo Teshigawara, Ivάn Pérez and James Thierrée. We will also retain a distinct presence of 20th century “classics” with works by Maurice Béjart, Pina Bausch and George Balanchine including his brilliant Joyaux which we will be performing upon our return from the United States. The revivals of newer, outstanding works that recently entered the repertoire will allow audiences to rediscover the creations of Crystal Pite and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. Don Quichotte, Onéguine and La Fille mal gardée are three milestones that will highlight the Company’s classical heritage this season. Finally, Sasha Waltz’s production of Roméo et Juliette will offer a counterpart to the opera productions of the Berlioz cycle. I am especially pleased to invite you to participate in this, my first season as dance director.