BALLET The Making Of An Etoile is the Paris Opera Ballet exhibition Singapore did not see coming. Alliance Francaise de Singapour presents the immersive show from 29 May to 15 August 2026, opening this Friday. This is the very first curation by the Paris Opera Ballet ever presented outside France. Atas culture vultures, this one is for you.
The exhibition pulls back the velvet curtain on one of the world’s oldest ballet institutions. Expect costumes, photographs, sketches and behind-the-scenes archival footage. Entry is free for Alliance Francaise members, with affordable tickets for the public.
What To Expect At BALLET The Making Of An Etoile
The show is structured as a guided journey through a dancer’s life — from the audition room to the centre stage of Palais Garnier. The Paris Opera Ballet has loaned original tutus, pointe shoes and photographs from its 350-year-old archive. It is a rare look at how the etoile (literally, the star) of French ballet is shaped.
- Original costumes — pieces worn at Palais Garnier productions, including Swan Lake and Giselle.
- Pointe shoe wall — over 100 used pointe shoes showcasing the craft and wear of life on stage.
- Behind-the-scenes film — full-length documentary screened on rotation inside the exhibition.
- Photography — archival shots of legendary etoiles by Paris Opera house photographers.
- Interactive corner — try a ballet barre stretch and learn the basic five positions.
Why BALLET The Making Of An Etoile Matters In Singapore
The Paris Opera Ballet is the oldest national ballet company in the world, founded by Louis XIV in 1669. The institution has never released its archives for a curated tour abroad — until now. Singapore beats out Tokyo, Sydney and Shanghai as the first international stop.
For Singaporean dance students and ballet parents, this is a once-in-a-lifetime study trip. The Singapore Dance Theatre and several local ballet schools have already scheduled group visits. Bookmark this — the runs do not extend.
BALLET The Making Of An Etoile Dates, Venue And Tickets
- Dates: 29 May to 15 August 2026.
- Venue: Alliance Francaise de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130.
- Nearest MRT: Newton — about 5 minutes’ walk via Bukit Timah Road.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
- Admission: free entry for Alliance Francaise members; public tickets at the door.
The exhibition closes on 15 August 2026. Weekday mornings are quietest, so plan an early visit if you want to lepak with the etoile photos. This one will not last long — and it is unlikely to come back anytime soon.
