Moves en pointe

Catch star ballerinas at the Ballet Grand Gala 2017

France’s finest ballerinas twirl into town as the Ballet Grand Gala returns to Dubai. Among the professional dancers appearing in the UAE from Opéra de Paris – the Paris Opera National Ballet – is Paul Marque. The young dancer recently took home a gold medal at the historic Varna International Ballet Competition and will be sharing the stage here with ballerina Dorothée Gilbert. A Danseur Étoile, or Star Dancer, the highest rank at the Paris dance company, Dorothée is best known for her leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle and Don Quixote.

Also look out for the Australiatrained dancer Hannah O’Neil – she was winning international competitions back when she was 16 – and Hugo Marchand, who was trained by the Paris Opera Ballet School as a child. The schedule features dances from classic ballets, including Romeo And Juliet, romantic ballet La Sylphide and the 19th century Le Corsaire. With more than 300 years under its belt, this dance company is well worth a watch. January 6 and 7

Madinat Theatre, Dubai, Fri 2pm and 8pm, Sat 6pm, Dhs280. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Madinat. facebook.com/ MadinatTheatre