An inside look at the making of a star dancer
An inside look at the making of a star dancer
Culture

Mon. April 14, 6:30PM

An inside look at the making of a star dancer

The fascinating journey from Petit Rat to Danseur Étoile.

The first seats are available now.

The remaining seats will be released on March 28 at 6pm.


Becoming a Danseur Étoile at the Paris Opera Ballet is the ultimate dream - but the journey to the top is anything but easy. From gruelling training to the physical toll of performance, every step demands sacrifice and discipline.


Belgian-born Thomas Docquir knows this path well. After entering the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School at just 12 years old, he climbed the ranks to Premier Danseur. Alongside former Royal Ballet soloist Marie Doutrepont, he’ll share the realities of professional ballet: the struggle to find elite training in Belgium, the intense demands on a dancer’s body, and how ballet schools today are adapting to better support their students.


What happens when the curtain falls for the last time? With many dancers retiring at just 42, career transition is a major concern. This conversation will explore life beyond the stage and reflect on the recent strikes that shook the Paris Opera.


Moderated by Les Hivernales de la Danse host Nejma Ben Brahim, this discussion offers a rare glimpse into the ups and downs of a life dedicated to dance.

speaker

Thomas Docquir

A rising star at the Paris Opera Ballet, Belgian-born Thomas Docquir joined its renowned school at the age of 12. Immersed in one of the world’s most rigorous ballet traditions, he quickly distinguished himself with his technical mastery and stage presence. He rose steadily through the company, reaching Coryphée in 2017, Sujet in 2020, and Premier Danseur in 2024. Known for his versatility, he has performed leading roles in iconic works by Nureyev, Balanchine, and contemporary choreographers, earning recognition for his artistry on the international stage. In 2022, he returned to dance in Belgium after years abroad, performing alongside Étoile Ludmila Pagliero at the Hivernales de la Danse.

speaker

Marie Doutrepont

Marie Doutrepont’s ballet journey began at the Académie Grétry in Liège, where she quickly stood out for her exceptional technique and stage confidence. Her career took her from the Royal Ballet of Flanders to the Ballet du Capitole in Toulouse before she joined the prestigious Royal Ballet in London. Over five seasons, she performed on the world’s greatest stages, from Moscow to Sydney, before returning to Belgium in 2005 to rejoin the Ballet of Flanders. After retiring from professional dance in 2007, Marie turned her focus to promoting and developing ballet in Belgium. She founded the Stages de Danse de Liège and, in 2012, created the Hivernales de la Danse, a world-class gala that has since evolved into a major international festival.

moderator

Nejma Ben Brahim

Nejma Ben Brahim studied Romance Languages and Literature at the University of Liège and Drama at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. She also trained in dance at the École de l’Opéra Royal de Wallonie and studied drama, declamation, music theory, and singing at the Académie Grétry in Liège. As the presenter of the Hivernales de la Danse, she brings eloquence and sensitivity to each edition. Her career, combining mastery of words and passion for the stage, makes her an expert voice in her field.
Start
Mon. April 14, 6:30PM
End
Mon. April 14, 9:00PM
Format
TheMerode Talks
Language
French (BE) / Français (BE)
Guest allowed?
Yes, 1 per member

Address

Event
Place Poelaert, 6
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Parking
Parking Poelaert, Place Poelaert 1000 Brussels

Detailed programme

Welcome
Mon. April 14, 6:30PM
Conversation and Q&A
Mon. April 14, 7:00PM
Networking
Mon. April 14, 8:00PM
End
Mon. April 14, 9:00PM

Past Event