Etoile dancer François Alu and the Paris Opera had initiated a long dialogue, which lasted several months, regarding François Alu’s professional aspirations and artistic career, which have always included projects outside the Ballet.

At the end of this dialogue, both parties agreed to move their relationship to a different framework, thus allowing a new and freer form of collaboration, based on artistic projects of various kinds.

In full accord with the Paris Opera Direction, Etoile dancer François Alu will soon leave the Ballet and will not be cast on the next Swan Lake series of performances.

François Alu says: “I have decided to take back my full professional freedom to pursue my artistic aspirations. We have therefore agreed with the Paris Opera to take steps together to this departure, while at the same time exploring future projects that we could carry together”.

Alexander Neef says: "This decision is the result of a close dialogue we have had with François over the last few months. It will be up to the new Director of Dance, José Martinez, who will take up his post on 5 December 2022, to discuss with him the collaborative projects that I hope will emerge in the future. I wish him a very successful career.”

François Alu, 28, was appointed Etoile dancer by Alexander Neef, General Director of the Paris Opera, on proposal of Aurélie Dupont, who was then Dance Director, at the end of a performance of La Bayadère, on 23 April 2022. François Alu entered the Paris Opera Ballet School in 2004 and joined the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet in 2010.