Glimmering Opening Night at Palais Garnier: Paris Opera Ballet Gala 2025/26

On Saturday evening, the Palais Garnier came alive with the dazzling spectacle of the 11th edition of the 2025/26 opening season ballet gala, reaffirming its status as a centerpiece of Paris’s autumn arts scene. Under the esteemed leadership of Alexander Neef, the general director, and José Martinez, the director of dance, the Paris Opera Ballet ushered in a new season with unmatched elegance. Coinciding with the buzzing anticipation of Paris Fashion Week, the gala served as a vibrant fusion of artistic excellence and high fashion, supported by luxury brands such as Chanel and Rolex.

As attendees draped in flowing gowns and sleek tuxedos made their way up the illustrious steps of the Palais Garnier, the atmosphere brimmed with glamour well before the curtain rose. Following a warm welcome from the evening’s hosts, the gala launched into a highlight of the night—the traditional Défilé de Ballet. This ceremonial procession saw the entire company grace the stage in a reverent display: Étoiles adorned in Chanel tutus and tiaras, premiers danseurs alongside the corps de ballet, and students from the École de Danse, including the newly inaugurated Junior Ballet, also outfitted by Chanel in intricately hand-embellished tutus featuring ostrich feathers and corsets adorned with delicate white satin camellias. This Défilé de Ballet epitomizes a living tableau of the company’s heritage and evolution—each rank standing together, illustrating the theme of continuity interwoven with renewal. The stunning ensemble of over 300 dancers on stage presented an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Paris Opera Ballet.

The gala showcased its first performance with the Paris Opera debut of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Requiem for a Rose. This piece, performed by members of the Junior Ballet, marked a significant moment as it was the first full piece from their repertoire to be staged at the Palais Garnier. Lopez Ochoa is widely acclaimed for her innovative choreography that melds classical ballet with contemporary nuances and striking visual storytelling. Set to Franz Schubert’s evocative melodies, Requiem for a Rose serves as a lyrical reflection on love, employing the rose as a dual symbol of passion and transience. “When I created Requiem for a Rose, I aimed for choreography that whirls,” Lopez Ochoa shared, likening the dance to a bouquet of red roses that both decomposes and recomposes, reminiscent of a flower that blooms and then fades.

The performance started with the ethereal introduction of a dancer wearing a nude leotard, clutching a rose between her lips—a figure Lopez Ochoa frames as Venus, embodying the vivid yet delicate essence of love, which lies at the heart of the choreography. Soon, she is joined by a dozen dancers in dancing skirts of crimson, echoing the imagery of petals swirling in a gentle breeze, their graceful yet deliberate movements capturing both the exuberance and ephemeral quality of romance. “I find the lifespan of love akin to that of a bouquet of roses; its allure is intoxicating, yet its splendor is all too fleeting,” reflected Lopez Ochoa. With a blend of classical ballet and expressive, abstract upper body movements, her choreography nods to the fluidity characteristic of Latin dance.

The evening culminated in a presentation of one of the iconic works of classical ballet, Giselle, choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. This ballet, thrilling audiences since its premiere in 1841, narrates the poignant tale of a peasant girl, Giselle, who, upon being betrayed by her beloved, descends into madness, succumbs to death, and returns as a spirit to bestow forgiveness upon him, ultimately liberating his soul. The first act is imbued with a rustic charm, showcasing simple yet intricate footwork, lively group formations, and scenes rich in community spirit, all rendered with impressive technical proficiency, powerfully illustrating Giselle’s transition from innocent joy to profound sorrow.