Thomas Docquir named first Belgian danseur étoile at Paris Opera

Thomas Docquir, a 28-year-old Belgian dancer, has been named a ‘danseur étoile’ at the Paris Opera Ballet. He is the first Belgian dancer to receive this prestigious distinction at the institution.

The appointment occurred on June 21 while Docquir was performing the role of Solor in ‘La Bayadère’. He was informed of the news on stage by General Director Alexander Neef and Dance Director José Martinez after replacing an injured dancer.

Docquir joined the company at age 17 after entering the Opera's dance school at 12. He will participate in the traditional parade of dancers on October 10 and 16 and will perform in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s ‘Vers un pays sage’ starting October 11.