‘They told me I had a big bottom’: Paris Opera’s first black ‘star’ dancer on early discouragement and being proud to be a symbol

Guillaume Diop, 23, bypassed the rank that precedes ‘etoile’ (star) when he was promoted this month – a rare move in the strictly hierarchical Paris Opera

He has no time for claims that he was only promoted due to ‘positive discrimination’ and he’s conscious his new status will help children get involved in dance

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Guillaume Diop, the first black dancer to achieve the rank of “etoile” at the Paris Opera, in the French capital on March 17, 2023. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:15pm, 22 Mar 2023

He is the first black person to achieve the exalted status of an etoile dancer at the Paris Opera, but that is only a small indication of what makes Guillaume Diop one of the most exciting ballet talents of his generation.

At 23, Diop bypassed the rank of premier danseur that precedes etoile (star) when he was promoted earlier this month – a rare move in the strictly hierarchical 354-year-old company.

“I have the feeling that I’m dreaming,” Diop says.

But those who have followed his short career – and seen his explosive leaps and charismatic performances onstage – are not surprised.

Diop started classical dance classes at eight in spite of concerns from his parents and discouragement from others. Photo: AFP

Since 2021, he has taken over lead roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and La Bayadere when more senior dancers were injured.