A Dream in Motion: FIS Alumna Manon Baranger Joins the Paris Opera Ballet

A few weeks ago, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming Manon Baranger, a former FIS student and now a professional dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet—at just 19 years old. She met with our 4ème students as part of their "Parcours Avenir" program, sharing an inspiring and deeply sincere account of her extraordinary journey.

Manon agreed to share her story with us, from her first dance steps in Hong Kong to the stage of the Palais Garnier, navigating moments of doubt, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of her parents.

Through this firsthand account, we hope to offer students a source of motivation to courageously pursue their dreams, and to give parents the assurance that supportive, realistic guidance is the key to helping their children forge their own paths—even unconventional ones.

"My parents never tried to talk me out of it. Their choice was always one of trust—my passion was so intense, so obvious, that they understood it had to be expressed. Of course, they had doubts, as all parents do. But even in the moments when I lost faith in myself, they never did. And above all, they were always there."

From First Steps in Hong Kong at Age 3...

I was born and raised in Hong Kong until I was 11. I attended FIS until 6ème, where I started dancing at 3 years old, first in Sai Kung and then at school with Régine Proietto, whose classes are still offered to students today. Back then, I had no idea this activity would become my calling. I had no clue I could ever make it my profession.

...To a Tailored Schedule with 8 Hours of Dance Daily

In 2018, everything changed. We moved to Melbourne, Australia. I joined the Australian school system (IB) due to the lack of a French lycée, while continuing French and math with the CNED. But most importantly, I enrolled at the Melbourne Academy of the Arts (MAARTS), where I discovered the stage and my passion for dance became an obsession. Under the direction of Ms. Jasmina Stefkovski, the training grew increasingly intense, until MAARTS offered me a scholarship for full-time training: 8 hours of dance a day, 6 days a week.

I had to leave the Australian school and organize my studies remotely with the CNED (France's official distance education provider), from 4ème to 2nde. It was a demanding but enriching experience: I learned to manage my time and study independently, with the support of private tutors.

"Learning to manage my time, studying alone, and juggling everything wasn’t easy, but I was determined."

The Sacrifice That Fueled a Dream

During this intensive period, I competed in dance competitions, first national and then international. My goal was clear: to improve, get noticed, and seize every opportunity to advance toward my dream. But in 2021, a major setback arrived: my parents were transferred back to Hong Kong. This move, however, did not align with my ambition: to join a major dance academy.

At just 14, I made a life-changing decision: to stay alone in Melbourne with a host family to continue my training. It was one of the hardest sacrifices I’ve ever made. But it was the price to pay to make my dreams concrete—and today, I know that choice changed everything.

Juggling Remote Schooling and Elite Dance Competitions

That year, I put everything on the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world's most prestigious dance competitions. During an intense week, 80 selected dancers aged 15 to 18 perform before directors of major schools and companies. The stakes? To secure a contract or a place in an exceptional institution. For me, it was a success: at the end of that week, I was admitted to the School of Dance of the Paris National Opera, into the Second Division (the penultimate year).

In September 2022, I moved to Paris to join the school's boarding program, living with a host family on weekends (my parents were still in Hong Kong). My daily life was then dictated by a demanding schedule: academics from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (I was in 1ère), followed by dance classes from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This was in addition to complementary classes—anatomy, dance history, and music—required to obtain our final diploma.

The year was punctuated by magical moments, like dancing on the stage of the Opéra Garnier during the Grand Défilé, demonstrations, or school performances. But it was also marked by constant pressure: each year, a dance examination determined our future. A month of intense preparation led to being promoted, repeating the year, or leaving the school based on our ranking.

That year brought a double challenge: on top of my dance exams, I had to pass my French Baccalaureate and my Brevet (which I hadn't been able to validate with CNED before). The result? I succeeded in advancing to the First Division—the final year of the School—while also passing my French Baccalaureate with honors. A crucial year, as it ended not with an exam, but with an entrance competition for the Paris Opera Ballet. The stakes were immense: to secure a contract and join the company.

The Failure That Changed Everything: From 6th Place to Success

My first competition, akin to a job interview, placed me 6th… with only 3 spots available (the number of selections depends on the company's needs, which change yearly). As I wasn’t yet 18, I chose to repeat my First Division year for another chance.

The first six months were the hardest of my life. I had come so close to my dream without reaching it, and that frustration made me lose my passion, my desire to dance, even my self-confidence. I went to class, but my heart wasn’t in it. I didn’t like how I danced anymore, or even how I worked. I needed help.

That’s when my mental coach, Julien Coupat—who I’d like to take this opportunity to thank—came into my life. Thanks to him, I rediscovered the sensations of dance, the ones that thrilled me as a child. He taught me to dance for myself, not for the jury's gaze, to accept my emotions, and to transform my failures into strength.

For my second competition, my goal was simple: to be proud of myself. No pressure, just the desire to enjoy myself and draw energy from those who supported me. Because on stage, I am alone, but I dance with everyone who believes in me.

The result? I placed 1st and signed a permanent contract with the Paris National Opera Ballet—a contract that ties me to this institution until I am 42. My dream had finally become reality.

Today, I am truly living my dream every day. As we begin the 2025/2026 season, I have already performed extensively in ballets such as Giselle and Notre Dame de Paris at the Opéra Garnier and Bastille. I am now preparing for Le Parc, Romeo and Juliet, and La Bayadère, among other great classical ballets.

But my journey is far from over, as my new goal is to become an étoile (principal dancer), with many complicated steps still to climb. I am grateful for the difficulties my path has presented, as they are what forged me and allowed me to learn more about myself.

To my parents: my first and greatest believers

I couldn't speak about my journey without mentioning my parents, present at every step despite the kilometers between us. Whether it was my years in Australia, where I lived alone at 14, or my move to Paris, they were always there—even from a distance.

 never had to convince them to let me pursue my dream. Their trust was total, almost instinctive: my passion was so visible, so intense, that they understood it had to be expressed. Of course, they had doubts—how could they not?—but they never held me back. Even in the moments when I lost faith in myself, they believed in me more than anything.

And above all, they supported me without ever being able to act in my place—a powerlessness I know was difficult for them. Yet, they always found the words, the encouragement, and that silent, unfailing presence that carried me to where I am now.

To FIS Students: Dare, Work, Dream, and Above All, Never Give Up!

My journey is just beginning, but one thing is certain: as in any profession, it is work, discipline, and perseverance that transform dreams into reality. The key? Consistency, determination, and never losing sight of why this dream is yours. Hold onto that reason, even when doubt creeps in, and don’t be afraid to dedicate yourself fully.

Don’t limit yourself out of fear of judgment or the desire to be like someone else. Push yourself to your limits, explore your maximum potential, and dare to live your dream to the fullest—because it’s yours, and it is unique.

A dream is also a collective adventure. No one gets there alone: I was fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team—family, teachers, directors, coaches, doctors, friends—without whom I wouldn’t be here today. Accept help, work as a team, because it’s together that we learn the most, grow the most, and create something even more beautiful.

So, never give up: follow your dreams to the end, with the intention of enjoying every moment and continuing to grow. That is what I will do every day within my new family, the Paris Opera.

— Manon