Roxane Stojanov: New Étoile Dancer at Paris Opéra Embraces Dual Identity as Athlete and Actress
Paris, March 11, 2026 – Roxane Stojanov, recently appointed as an Étoile dancer at the Paris Opéra, is poised to take on significant lead roles, defining her craft as a blend of athletic prowess and theatrical artistry. Her promotion, which occurred on December 28, 2024, at the Opéra Bastille, marked a pivotal moment in her career, a surprise announcement following her performance in Pierre Lacotte’s ballet ‘Paquita’.
A Rigorous Path to Stardom
Stojanov, born in Auch to Macedonian and French parents, began her dance journey at the age of seven and entered the Paris Opéra at twelve. She candidly describes the profession as demanding, requiring the discipline of an athlete, yet emphasizing the crucial artistic and interpretative aspects. “I’ve never had an idealized vision of the dancer’s profession. It’s that of an athlete, certainly, but with the artistic side that absolutely must not be forgotten,” she states, highlighting the importance of her acting skills on stage.
An Unforgettable Promotion
The announcement of her promotion to Étoile dancer was a moment of profound emotion. “If we had wanted to organize it perfectly, we couldn’t have done better, and I love surprises,” Stojanov shared, recalling the presence of her mother in the audience, who, according to the dancer, “trembled perhaps as much as I did.” The promotion occurred after a single, unique performance of ‘Paquita’ – one of the most challenging classical ballets – after an earlier premiere had been cancelled due to a dancers’ strike.
Upcoming Lead Roles: Juliette and Marguerite Gautier
Stojanov is set to captivate audiences with her portrayals of iconic characters. She will debut as Juliette in Rudolf Nureyev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the Opéra Bastille on April 5 and 10, 2026. Following this, she will take on the role in John Neumeier’s ‘La Dame aux Camélias’ at the Palais Garnier in May 2026. Known for her powerful energy, determination, and a certain indomitable spirit, Stojanov aims to bring a unique interpretation to Juliette.
“I want to play her by using this strong and sensitive side at the same time. First, she will be a bit rebellious, as I think she wants to confront her parents. And then she will discover love, drama, death, and that will change her,” Stojanov explains. “All of this in a very few days, so it’s a character with very opposite facets. In a very short time, you have to go from this rebellious young girl to a woman who, in almost three days, has lived an entire life and becomes a woman.”
A Testament to Dedication and Artistry
Stojanov’s commitment to her art is evident in her ability to perform technically demanding feats, such as the 32 fouettés in ‘Don Quixote’, which she considers a significant technical achievement. Her rise to Étoile status underscores her rigorous training, artistic depth, and compelling stage presence. The Paris Opéra continues to be a bastion of classical ballet, and Stojanov’s ascent promises to bring fresh energy and interpretation to its storied repertoire.
Regarding recent comments by Timothée Chalamet suggesting opera is outdated, Stojanov responds with a smile, “We are stronger… We are super proud of what we do, and it gave us some publicity.”
Stojanov’s journey exemplifies the dedication required to excel in the demanding world of classical ballet, where athleticism meets profound emotional expression.
Source: https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/nouvelles-tetes/nouvelles-tetes-du-mercredi-11-mars-2026-6711382
