Faithful to the rich cultural history of the Palace of Versailles, Baroque dance, which originated within its walls, holds a natural place in the artistic programme of Château de Versailles Spectacles. In 2019, the first cohort of the Baroque Dance Academy was created. For its third edition, launched in 2024, Château de Versailles Spectacles once again partnered with the choreographer Pierre-François Dollé.

Through this programme, the choreographer offers around twenty dancers training in the foundations of Baroque dance, enabling them to develop and enrich their own choreographic language. The most outstanding dancers are selected to join the Ballet of the Royal Opera and take part in two immersive performances : The King’s Tour in winter and The Royal Serenade of the Hall of Mirrors in summer. These artists can also be seen during the Fêtes Galantes, in selected productions of the Royal Opera’s musical season (for the 2025–2026 season, in the staged productions of Ariodante by Handel, Faust by Gounod and Platée by Rameau), as well as in associated cultural events such as Tous à l’Opéra, Opéra Partagé, European Heritage Days.

Throughout the programme, the participants are guided by choreographer Pierre-François Dollé alongside guest artistic tutors. The training programme is intended for pre-professional dancers aged 18 and over who have already received training in classical and/or contemporary dance.

The Baroque Dance Academy of the Royal Opera at the Château de Versailles is a project led by Royal Opera Productions and Château de Versailles Spectacles.

Applications are now closed for this season.

The training is designed for pre-professional dancers aged 18 and over, with prior training in classical and/or contemporary dance.

Participants are required to commit to the full course, which consists of 11 days of training, and, if selected, to be available for an additional 11 days to learn the new choreographic creation.

Baroque Dance Training for Pre-Professional Dancers :