Kader Belarbi

Kader Belarbi, born in 1962, is a distinguished French ballet dancer, choreographer, and director whose career has significantly shaped the dance landscape. He dedicated nearly three decades to the Paris National Opera Ballet from 1980 to 2008, emerging as a key figure of the "Nureyev generation." In 1989, he was honored with the title of étoile (principal dancer) by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, a testament to his exceptional talent.

In 2012, Belarbi took on the role of Director of Dance at the Toulouse Capitol Theatre, where he led the Capitol Ballet and made notable contributions to the artistic community. His extensive repertoire spans classical, neoclassical, and contemporary dance, and includes numerous premieres he performed for leading contemporary choreographers, both in Paris and as a guest artist elsewhere. As a choreographer, he created around forty works, showcasing his creative vision.

In recent years, Belarbi focused on revitalizing classic ballets, notably bringing "Le Corsaire" to France and producing an updated version of "Giselle," which breathed new life into these timeless pieces. However, his tenure at the Capitol Theatre came to an end in February 2023 when he was dismissed due to managerial issues. Despite this setback, Belarbi's influence on ballet continues to resonate.