Starting dance at 9 years old might seem late for some, but for Niels Morlot, it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Originally from the Paris region, this young prodigy quickly transformed a simple hobby into a consuming passion. At just 11 years old, he decided to take things to the next level, taking multiple classes and perfecting his art in Paris. Two years later, his talent and determination earned him a place at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School, an institution that shapes the biggest names in ballet.
He honed his skills there from ages 13 to 18 before moving to Toronto, Canada, where he further refined his technique. Today, at 20, Niels is already shining on stage and pursuing his dream of becoming a principal dancer. We had the chance to meet this artist on the rise.
Toombow Kids: Hi Niels, how are you? Congratulations on such an impressive journey for someone your age! Can you tell us what your daily life was like as a young student at the Paris Opera Ballet School?
Niels: I’m doing great, thank you! Our days were very structured. From 8 a.m. to noon, we had academic classes like math and French, followed by a mandatory dance class until 1:30 p.m. Then we had supplementary courses: music theory, rhythm, dance history, anatomy, contemporary dance, and many others. These are essential elements for a dancer. Everything was conveniently located in one place, including the dorms. I stayed in the dorms between ages 13 and 14 before deciding to return home to my parents, who lived nearby. This allowed me to take a break from the school environment, which was good for my balance. At 17, I earned my State Diploma, marking the end of my cycle.
Toombow Kids: That’s impressive! How did you get into the Paris Opera?
Niels Morlot: It all started with a show I participated in at 10 or 11 years old. I was spotted by recruiters from the Paris Opera to perform as an extra on stage, and I accepted. We were a group of kids called Les Enfants du Paradis. The experience was magical! That’s when I had a revelation and wanted to relive that feeling of sharing the stage and the camaraderie among dancers. My first real performance as a dancer was also at the Paris Opera, during an annual show where we performed iconic ballets.
Toombow Kids: It sounds like a true fairy tale! But of course, all this was made possible by your hard work. What are your favorite ballets?
Niels Morlot: Good question… I’ve always been fascinated by grand classical ballets like Swan Lake or La Bayadère. These kinds of ballets make me dream!
Toombow Kids: Noted! Are there any people who inspire you in the dance world?
Niels Morlot: Definitely! First, I think of my parents. They danced as amateurs for years, so they were a huge inspiration for me. Then, I’d mention dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov for his precision or Mathieu Ganio, a principal dancer at the Paris Opera. Mathieu is like a mentor to me. If I ever need advice or anything, I know I can call him. At the Paris Opera, there’s a tradition where young dancers are guided by an elder called petite mère or petit père. With Mathieu, it happened naturally, and his advice and friendship are invaluable. As for choreographers, I particularly admire Rudolf Nureyev’s romantic works—an exceptional dancer who revolutionized ballet. In contemporary dance, I’m also inspired by Crystal Pite.
Toombow Kids: A lot of big names! If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Niels Morlot: The Paris Opera remains a mythical place for me. But I’d also love to explore other stages, like the American Ballet Theatre in New York or the Canadian companies where I’ve already studied, as well as other venues worldwide.
Toombow Kids: Duly noted! You’re currently under a professional contract in Paris. Can you tell us more about that?
Niels Morlot: Yes, I’m dancing under the direction of Karl Paquette, a former principal dancer. We’re performing a shortened version of Swan Lake to make it accessible to a broader audience, including families. The shows have been running since October, primarily on weekends and during holidays, and will continue until February. We’re a group of about 20 dancers, but with the technical team included, there are about 50 of us. It’s a massive operation!
Toombow Kids: Bravo for this production! I’ve heard that producer Mason Ewing is very interested in having you as one of the lead dancers in a ballet he’s preparing called Isabella and Dorian. How do you feel about that?
Niels Morlot: It’s very exciting! Mason has shown me some costumes, and we’ve been discussing dance a lot. It’s a huge effort to create a ballet, but if I can contribute, I’d be delighted! We’ll see what the future holds.
Toombow Kids: Suspense! Finally, what advice would you give to a child dreaming of becoming a dancer like you?
Niels Morlot: Believe in yourself and never give up. Dance is demanding, both physically and mentally, but keeping a clear goal is essential. Passion and enjoyment are key. If you ever lose the joy, it’s okay to take a break and come back stronger. And family support is invaluable. My parents and grandparents have been a tremendous source of support for me.
Passionate and talented, Niels Morlot is chasing the prestigious title of principal dancer—the ultimate goal for anyone who has dedicated their life to ballet. But his dreams don’t stop there: driven by a desire to share his craft, he envisions becoming a teacher in the future, passing on the beauty and art of dance to new generations. The Toombow Kids team wishes Niels the best for his career and hopes his lucky star continues to shine bright! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!