#TBT: Sylvie Guillem as Esmeralda

November 28, 2001

Happy New Year, ballet lovers! As we plunge into audition season, 2015 will bring an abundance of new challenges and opportunities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by our New Year’s resolutions, but what better way to keep us inspired than a throwback of Sylvie Guillem? In our dreams we have her feet, her legs and her forever-motivating extensions. No doubt, she has helped push expectations for ballet dancers to new heights. That’s why 2015 arrives with a sense of closure and sadness. After an over three-decade long career, Guillem will retire at the end of the year. 

 

In this recording of the Esmeralda pas de deux with Patrick Dupond, Guillem had already been a member of the Paris Opéra Ballet for six years—and she’s only 22 years old. Watch how she attacks each pivotal balance and subtle transition with a quiet, confident energy. In honor of Guillem’s final year of performance, Happy #ThrowbackThursday! Click here to watch.