Soaring across the stage, as if in flight, Romeo reaches his arms out towards his forbidden love: Juliet Capulet. But the much-loved tragedy takes an unexpected turn: based on the assumption that everyone is familiar with Romeo and Juliet, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo choreographer avoided paraphrasing Shakespeare’s literary masterpiece. Jean-Christophe Maillot’s re-working of Romeo and Juliet is a ballet that has widely contributed to the international reputation of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. And the piece is a big part of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s 40th anniversary program.
“Forty years already! Is it possible? The years seem to have passed faster than a grand jeté,” says Jean-Christophe Maillot, Choreographer-Director of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
“I remember as if it were yesterday, my first creation for Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. It was in December 1986, it was called ‘Les Adieux’ (‘Farewells’),” says Maillot, “with hindsight, I see that this choreography was very badly named because this experience was above all an unforgettable encounter that gave me the feeling that with these dancers, I could find my artistic reality.”
Rewriting Romeo and Juliet
Rather than retrace the rift between the Capulets and Montagues to its tragic denouement, Jean-Christophe Maillot rewrote the play from an original perspective. It tells the tale of Brother Laurent, who thinks he can end the war between the Capulets and the Montagues. He hopes to make them see reason by using the love felt by their children.
With more than 260 performances around the world since 1996, and featured in the repertoire of seven major companies, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s most iconic ballets. It has everything: classical nuances, a modern narrative, strong music, sensuality and even humour. And this year, to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, the company will be performing ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in four different cities across Europe.
The beginnings of dance in Monaco: Russian Ballet
1909 marked the true beginning of ballet in Monaco. Serge de Diaghilev presented his Russian Ballet in Paris for the first time. They then set up in Monte-Carlo, which became their creative workshop for the next two decades.
From the Principality, Diaghilev reformed the ballet of his time. Upon his death in 1929, the company was dissolved. Several personalities and choreographers revived it under various names but it disappeared completely in 1951.
Princess Caroline’s love of ballet brings it back to Monaco
During her youth, Princess Caroline took ballet lessons at the Marika Besobrasova School of Dance in Monte-Carlo. In 1985 she started Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, in accordance with the wishes of her mother, Princess Grace, who had died a few years earlier.
The company’s first performance took place on 21 December 1985, and guest-starred several members of the Paris Opera. Directed by Ghislaine Thesmar and Pierre Lacotte, the company rehearsed in the Diaghilev studio before performing on the Salle Garnier stage at the Opera de Monte-Carlo. After their inaugural performance, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s first production immediately started touring.
The Company soars with Jean-Christophe Maillot
With his experience as a dancer with legendary American ballerina, Rosella Hightower and choreographer, John Neumeier, and as choreographer-director of the Centre Chorégraphique National de Tours, Jean-Christophe Maillot has taken the Monegasque company to new heights.
Since he was invited by the Princess of Hanover to become the choreographer-director of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in September 1993, Jean-Christophe Maillot has created over 40 ballets in Monaco and has been instrumental in the company’s international recognition.
Prince Albert II of Monaco conferred the insignia of Commander of Cultural Merit on Princess Caroline for her contribution to the development of the Arts and Culture in the Principality and her active involvement in Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
In 2011, under the chairmanship of the Princess of Hanover, a new structure directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot reunited three institutions: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Princess Grace Academy and the Monaco Dance Forum.
40th Anniversary Programme
The 2025–2026 programme features performances by the company in Monaco, Italy, France, Latvia, Germany and Spain. Two Galas, one for the Company and one for the Princess Grace Academy, will be taking place next June and July, before the Monaco Dance Forum, also scheduled for July.
“The 2025–2026 season we are presenting to you is encapsulated in one phrase: Thank you! That’s why we wanted it to be generous, diverse and filled with gifts that we can’t wait to open with you. I will let you discover them and wish you, as always, an excellent season with our Company,” said Jean-Christophe Maillot.
Ma Bayadère: Highlight of the Season
The biggest highlight of the season may be Jean-Christophe Maillot’s “Ma Bayadère”, a large-scale production that promises to be one of the choreographer’s most personal ballets. Where “La Bayadère” was set in a Hindu Temple with sacred dancers, this new creation is anchored in the daily life of a dance company. Eight performances are scheduled, between 27 December and 4 January at the Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum.
La Dame aux Camélias brings the Paris Opera Ballet to Monaco
One of the most prestigious dance companies in the world will be coming to Monaco: the Paris Opera Ballet. Audiences will have the opportunity to witness John Neumeier’s legendary production. Three performances are scheduled in mid-July 2026, at the Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum.
The Princess Grace Academy turns 50!
Fifty-three young dancers aged 13 to 18 began their first day at the Princess Grace Academy in September 2025. A special year lies ahead for them and the public, as the Academy celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the students will showcase the fruit of their work in an exceptional performance scheduled for December 19, 2025, in the Prince Pierre Hall at the Grimaldi Forum.
