2026 Paris Opera Ballet Gala

This weekend, the 2026 gala of the Paris Opera Ballet, held at the Opéra Garnier, marked the start of the official dance season in the capital. The event included three performances and brought together the entire company, including principal dancer Hugo Marchand.

Gala's significance for principal dancers

The famous "Défilé" is an essential event for principal dancers, allowing them to reflect on their role within the institution. Hugo Marchand described the gala as "an experience as beautiful as it is passionate," emphasizing its significance as a special moment to share the stage with the company.

Marchand's career and performance

Hugo Marchand, who entered the Opera's Dance School in 2007, has performed on the stage of the Palais Garnier and participated in the company's tours in Madrid, New York, and Japan. During the gala, he performed a duet titled Rings of Saturn by Juliano Nuñes with his colleague Germain Louvet, another principal dancer.

Gala outfit and style

For the gala, Marchand collaborated with his stylist Christopher Rao to select an outfit from the autumn-winter 2026-2027 collection by designer Véronique Nichanian, a reissue of a leather model originally from the men's autumn-winter 1991-1992 collection of Hermes. The ensemble, paired with a sleeveless grey anthracite popeline top, calf leather boots, and diamond-studded jewelry, was described by Marchand as "slightly offbeat" and inspired by the world of motorcycling, offering an alternative to his usual stage attire.

Marchand's current performance

Marchand is currently starring in L’Histoire de Manon, a ballet with sentimental significance for him. He described it as "an incredible ballet" and his first leading role at age 21. He is performing alongside Dorothée Gilbert, who will retire from the stage this Thursday.

Upcoming performances and recovery

The production is technically and emotionally demanding, requiring physical and emotional preparation for the male role of Des Grieux, which involves difficult duet lifts. After the Paris performances, Marchand plans to rest before touring with the production in November, first at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and then at the Royal Ballet of Covent Garden in London. During his rest days, Marchand focuses on physical, mental, and emotional recovery to prepare for future performances. In December, he will return to Paris for the mixed program Rituels at the Opéra Bastille.