Ballet: The Making of an Étoile
29 May - 15 August
Educational and cultural organisation, Alliance Française de Singapour, proudly presents Ballet: The Making of an Étoile, an immersive exhibition that offers a rare, intimate look into the world behind the grace and glamour of the Paris Opera Ballet. Running from 29 May to 15 August 2026, this marks the first curation by the Paris Opera Ballet ever presented outside of France, revealing the demanding artistry that transforms aspiring dancers into ballet legends.
The exhibition follows the full arc of a dancer’s journey, from their earliest lessons to commanding centre stage. Anchored by the legacy of the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies and custodian of the renowned French school of ballet, the experience celebrates a tradition admired for its precision, elegance, and discipline. Visitors will discover the meticulous creative process behind each production, from initial concept and choreography to costume creation and the final curtain call.
The journey towards Étoile
Central to the exhibition is the journey towards the coveted title of Étoile, the highest rank a dancer can achieve at the Paris Opera Ballet. Meaning “star” in French, an Étoile represents years of dedication, resilience and artistic excellence and marks a dancer’s place among the company’s most exceptional performers.
“Ballet is often admired only in its final, polished form onstage, but this exhibition pulls back the curtain to honour the years of training, mentorship and quiet sacrifice that shape an Étoile,” said Aude-Emeline Loriot-Nurbianto, the Executive Director of Alliance Française de Singapour. “We invite audiences to witness the discipline, craft and humanity behind each performance, the true heart and labour that make every ballet performance possible,” she continued.
The exhibition unfolds as a two-part narrative, offering a complete view of a dancer’s world, from the invisible moments of preparation to the radiance of performance.
Exhibition details
- Dates: 29 May until 15 August, 2026
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 1pm to 7.30pm; Saturday 9am to 6pm
Admission is free to the Gallery at level two. Guided tours are available in English and French every Tuesday to Friday. Book your tour slot through the booking link. For more information on Ballet: The Making Of An Étolie, please visit the official website.