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Laurent Hilaire (1962–). French dancer, teacher and director

Laurent Hilaire was born in 1962 and joined the Paris Opéra Ballet School in 1975. He was a member of the Paris Opéra Ballet from 1979, becoming an étoile in 1985. Hilaire remained at the top for 22 years, covering a huge and diverse repertoire, both starring in, and partnering many great dancers. He had already started to teach and coach the company before his retirement as a dancer in 2007 and continued to do so whilst working as associate artistic director of the Paris Opéra from 2011 to 2014. From 2017 Laurent Hilaire has directed several companies and is currently director at the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich.

Timeline Event » 1986 – Anthony Dowell becomes director of The Royal Ballet

In 1986, principal dancer Anthony Dowell succeeded Norman Morrice as director of The Royal Ballet. During his tenure Dowell produced new productions of Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote...

Timeline Event » 1991 – The Royal Ballet performs William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated for the first time

First performed by the Paris Opera Ballet in 1987, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated entered the repertory of The Royal Ballet for the first time in 1991. With crashing music by...