20th Anniversary interview with Myriam Ould-Braham.
Myriam Ould-Braham
Photo Credit: James Bort
Following our interview with Myriam ahead of her appearance at Iconique 2026, we caught up with our Covent Garden Dance Company Étoile again to discover what she is looking forward to most about performing as part of our 20 year anniversary gala, her third Ballet Under the Stars appearance.
This July, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Covent Garden Dance Company - how would you describe what Matt has created?
What strikes me above all is the atmosphere; there is a real friendliness within the organisation, and we meet dancers I have had the chance to encounter at other galas. But this gala has something special, a truly unique atmosphere. That is exactly what Matt has managed to create: something rare, and for me, it is precious.
Hatch House 2023 - Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
What are you most looking forward to about returning to the stage at Hatch House with Mickaël?
It was a truly amazing experience. Dancing in the middle of nature is something unique, you could feel that the audience was happy, there was extraordinary energy and atmosphere. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with dancers I have met abroad, catching up on their news, and seeing how they have progressed. These are always very special moments of sharing.
You will be performing Act IV Pas De Deux from Nureyev's Swan Lake and Le Parc Kissing Pas, by Angelin Preljocaj. What do you hope the audience will feel when you dance these pieces together?
I would like the audience to feel above all a unique moment, like a bubble of happiness. A moment of sweetness, out of time, that touches them and marks their evening.
Photo credit: Eddie Raphael - The Bahamas
What have you been working on, since stepping back from your full time commitments at the Paris Opera Ballet, Myriam?
Following my official departure from the Paris Opera in May 2024, I had the opportunity to dance in some very beautiful theatres, such as La Scala in Milan, and to meet wonderful people: dancers, rehearsal pianists… These experiences made this transition more pleasant and smoother. They allowed me to take a step back and rethink time differently.
I then took a year to fully devote myself to my family, as well as to the things that are close to my heart and that my career had not always allowed me to explore, particularly teaching. This has always been essential to me, and this stage of my life confirmed how deeply attached I am to it.
After this precious break, I chose to return to dance. It is part of my life, and I feel the desire to continue having beautiful experiences, while continuing the teaching and sharing that are essential to me.
Children from a local dance school - the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance - will perform on stage with you. How important is it to provide these opportunities to children?
It’s an excellent initiative, and I truly believe in it. Sharing the stage with younger people is essential; they are the new generation, and it is important for them to have real stage experiences, to meet artists, to have genuine exchanges. Seeing multiple generations come together on stage is always something powerful. I am sincerely happy that young dancers have the opportunity to perform alongside more experienced soloists; it is valuable for their journey.
Myriam Ould-Braham & Mickaël Lafon performing Swan Lake pas de deux at Hatch House 2023
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
What three things do people not know about you?
I am extremely shy, I love tranquility, and the third will remain my little secret!
