STÉPHANE BULLION – BE PROUD OF ME

Interview by Alessandro Bizzotto was published in the issue 1/2019 

That’s what the star of the Paris Opera Ballet wishes when he is on stage – to be in shape to deserve the roles he is given. Yet he likes taking responsibilities on his shoulders and, while being considered a dream partner, he expects the ballerina dancing with him to be helpful – «her work is essential», after all. Alessandro Bizzotto meets the French Principal dancer for a straightforward chat about good and bad memories, invitations abroad, ballet shoes and impossible wishes, such as having more time

I am quite punctual. While lead through the hallways of the Opera Garnier, I found them unnaturally quiet. Maybe it is only because it is early January, the run of performances of “The Lady of the Camellias” is about to end – Stéphane Bullion will dance the last one as Armand tomorrow.

I turn left and reach the end of a long passage. As he opens the door of his dressing room, he looks at me almost sheepishly, but with no embarrassment. «Stéphane» he only says as we shake hands. «Bonjour. Please come in».

He is an authentic star of ballet. I even think he is one of the male dancers that today can most honestly put something of himself in the characters he dances. Yet Stéphane Bullion does not speak much at the outset – I stand till he invites me to sit on the dark sofa and he takes a seat on the low, thick radiator under the window.