Paris Opera Ballet Étoile Dorothée Gilbert dances last time at Bastille

Paris Opera Ballet's Étoile Dorothée Gilbert danced one last time at The Opéra Bastille on 2nd July 2026 before her retirement in October.

One and only Gilbert said in her Instagram post on 3rd July:

"Hier soir, c’était la toute dernière fois que je dansais à l’Opéra Bastille. Je le quitte le cœur léger et heureuse, avec en mémoire tant de moments magnifiques vécus sur cette scène. Il y a 19 ans, j’y étais nommée Danseuse étoile à l’issue de Casse-Noisette, aux côtés de @manuel.legris. Hier soir, c’est main dans la main avec @humarchand que j’ai pu vous saluer une dernière fois."

Automatic translation is:

"Last night was my very last dance at the Opéra Bastille. I leave with a light and happy heart, cherishing so many wonderful moments on that stage. Nineteen years ago, I was named a principal dancer there after performing in The Nutcracker, alongside @manuel.legris. Last night, hand in hand with @humarchand, I was able to bid you farewell one last time."

The official retirement age for Paris Opera Ballet dancers is 42-1/2 years.

The 2025-2026 season is the last full season for Gilbert. Her official adieu is 15th October 2026 as she announced last year. She will dance Manon, the title role of Kenneth MacMillan's Manon (L'Histoire de Manon).

Too young, too early!