Final performance at Palais Garnier

On Thursday, October 15, during an emotionally charged evening, the star performed her final rendition of L’Histoire de Manon at the Palais Garnier. At 42 years old, she leaves behind a magnificent career and a nostalgic audience. The performance lasted almost forty minutes, marked by ovations and frenzied applause from the orchestra seats to the standing areas in the amphitheater.

Emotional moment on stage

On stage, Dorothée Gilbert suddenly released the tension and cried in the comforting arms of Hugo Marchand, with whom she had just performed L’Histoire de Manon. It was unclear whether she was still "Manon," the heroine of the Abbé Prévost's novel Manon, choreographed by the Scottish Kenneth MacMillan, who had just died of exhaustion in the arms of Des Grieux, or if she was overwhelmed by her own emotional response as an artist.

Retirement at legal age

Dorothée Gilbert, at 42 years old, has just danced for the last time on the stage of the Paris Opera. She made her "goodbyes" at the legal retirement age, a rule that ensures the excellence of the ballet, given how demanding the effort and technical skill required by the academic style are. The performance was notable for its emotional and technical registers throughout a love story as thrilling as desperate.

Artistic and emotional depth

The performance also described, in a raw manner, the mistreatment suffered by women who are bought in a society of pleasures and illusions. The sumptuous sets signed by Nicholas Georgiadis moved from the brilliance of salons to the mud of Louisiana swamps where Manon will be deported. Love illuminated her: when she danced for the first time with Des Grieux, Dorothée Gilbert expressed through her light grace the emotion of such a revelation.

Legacy and influence

Young dancers from the company asked in unison after the performance, "But who will Hugo dance with after Dorothée's departure?" One of them continued, "I was three when she was named a star; she has always been there: a model for us!" They all know her videos on pointe. To see how Dorothée Gilbert masters the solo of Manon when she appears in her shiny black courtesan dress at the beginning of the Second Act, one understands that she continues to impress them.

Celebration of talent

The celebration of her immense talent was fervent and spectacular. Among the joyfully mixed audience were young aficionados, loyal fans, and patrons who came in groups. Especially the stars who once made the reputation of the Paris National Opera: Claude de Vulpian, Agnès Letestu, Nicolas Le Riche, Karl Paquette, or Manuel Legris, in whose arms Dorothée Gilbert threw herself at the end.

Farewell gestures and honors

From repeated calls for encores to repeated curtain openings and closings, this farewell evening was exceptional. Under the jets of roses launched from the boxes and the rain of golden stars coming from the balconies, Dorothée Gilbert received these expressions of admiration and sympathy with a smile that grew increasingly radiant. She warmly hugged Hugo Marchand, who was as emotional as she was, thanked the company several times as if to give them their share of the success.

Legion of Honor and tributes

Another surprise awaited the opera star during the cocktail that followed: the Legion of Honor awarded by Brigitte Lefèvre, former director of dance at the opera (1994-2014). The final tribute after José Martinez, currently in office, praised the accomplished interpreter who always faced the most complex difficulties "with a big smile and a disconcerting ease."

Personal reflections and legacy

In her thank-you speech, Dorothée Gilbert, "hunter" as she has never been before, speaking for herself this time, mentioned her favorite moment: "the silence in the hall before the curtain rises, the first note rising from the orchestra pit, the corps de ballet breathing behind me and the gaze of the partner who assures everything will be fine." What she will miss most, undoubtedly, from her entire life as an artist.

Final recognition from a fellow star

Mathieu Ganio, a brilliant star who also said goodbye eighteen months ago, crossed paths with her at the end of the evening, summarizing Dorothée's place in the world of dance with a clear formula: "an excellent star of the Paris Opera!"