The Paris Opera’s Charity Gala Pays Tribute to Patrick Dupond
An iconic figure in the dance world, internationally acclaimed lead dancer Patrick Dupond left a lasting legacy at the Paris Opera. Having studied at the Ballet School of the Opéra national de Paris, Dupond was named prima ballerina in 1980 and later became dance director of the Paris Opera Ballet in 1990. Over the course of such an outstanding career, he had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best choreographers and dancers of his time. To memorialize this exceptional dancer, deceased in 2021, the Paris Opera hosted a tribut Dance Gala in his honor at the Palais Garnier on Tuesday 21. In the presence of the no-less talented José Martinez, ballet dancer and new dance director, the evening aimed at raising the necessary funds to support the yearly activities of the Opera by bringing together individual donors and the honorary committee. The programme of the evening featured several performances by ballet dancers, the Principal Dancers and the entire Corps de Ballet, all of them revolving around and highlighting key moments of Dupond’s career. For instance, Maurice Béjart performed Le Chant du Compagnon Errant, danced in 2014 by Dupond and his friend Jean-Marie Didière. Guests could also enjoy Harald Lander’s ballet Études, so dear to Dupond that he programmed it on several occasions as director. After the performances, the attendees, invited by brands like Zadig&Voltaire and philanthropic partners like Chanel and ROLEX, were treated to an exquisit dinner prepared in partnership with Le Fooding.
Photos: Jean Picon
