Thomas Docquir Makes History as First Belgian Named Danseur Étoile
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Thomas Docquir, a 28-year-old dancer from Namur province, Belgium, was named Danseur Étoile (Star Dancer) of the Paris National Opera — the highest honor in ballet — becoming the first Belgian in history to receive this prestigious title. The announcement was made on stage at the Opéra Bastille at the conclusion of a performance of Rudolf Nureyev’s La Bayadère, in which Docquir performed the role of Prince Solor.
According to the Opéra national de Paris, the nomination was proposed by José Martinez, Director of Dance, and approved by Alexander Neef, Director of the Paris National Opera. Docquir danced alongside Danseuse Étoile Dorothée Gilbert (Nikiya) and Roxane Stojanov (Gamzatti) in the performance that led to his historic elevation.
A Remarkable Journey from Wallonia to Paris
Born on February 14, 1998, in Sambreville, Belgium, and raised in Stave (municipality of Mettet) in the province of Namur, Docquir began dancing at age 8 at the Académie de Danse de Dinant. Recognizing his exceptional potential, his teacher advised him that to continue progressing, he would need to join a major school abroad. At age 12, he entered the prestigious École de Danse de l’Opéra national de Paris.
As RTBF reports, Docquir was hired into the Corps de Ballet at 17 with the rank of Quadrille — the lowest rung — and methodically climbed every single rank over 11 years: Coryphée in 2016, Sujet in 2020, and Premier Danseur in July 2024. His rise was accelerated by standout performances in demanding roles, including Rothbart in Swan Lake and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, both choreographed by Nureyev.
Understanding the Danseur Étoile Title
The title of Danseur Étoile is the highest rank in the hierarchical structure of the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious ballet companies. The hierarchy progresses from Quadrille to Coryphée, Sujet, Premier Danseur, and finally Danseur Étoile. The title is typically awarded on stage at the end of a performance by the Director of the Opera, upon proposal of the Director of Dance, and is held for life.
Docquir’s achievement is particularly significant for Belgium. While the country has produced world-renowned dancers and choreographers — such as Maurice Béjart, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, and the Royal Ballet of Flanders — no Belgian had ever reached the highest rank at the Paris Opera Ballet.
Walloon of the Year and Cultural Ambassador
Just months before his historic nomination, Docquir was awarded the prestigious “Wallon de l’année 2025” (Walloon of the Year) prize by the Institut Destrée in February 2026, as reported by La Libre Belgique. This recognition highlighted his role as a cultural ambassador for Wallonia and Belgium on the international stage.
His growing stature was already evident during the Belgian state visit to France in October 2024, when Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited the Palais Garnier with Brigitte Macron and specifically spoke with Docquir — a moment captured by Paris Match Belgique.
The State of Classical Dance in Belgium
In a 2025 interview with Paris Match, Docquir addressed the challenges facing classical dance in his home country: “Unfortunately, there is a lack of great classical dance schools in Belgium. My teacher himself confirmed at the time that if I wanted to continue progressing and developing my potential, I needed to join a major school.” His success may inspire greater investment in dance education infrastructure in Belgium.
What’s Next for the New Étoile
Docquir is scheduled to perform the role of Solor again on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 19:30, with Sae Eun Park as Nikiya and Inès McIntosh as Gamzatti. As a newly appointed Danseur Étoile, he will likely take on leading roles in the Paris Opera’s repertoire for seasons to come.
His historic achievement marks a milestone not only for Belgian classical dance but also for the recognition of Walloon talent on the world stage. As Docquir himself once said: “Becoming a Danseur Étoile is something I’ve dreamed of since I was little. But above all, I dream of flourishing artistically.” With this nomination, he has achieved both.