Interview with Myriam Ould-Braham

Myriam Ould-Braham at Hatch House in July 2023.
Photo Credit: Alice Pennefather

What have you been working on this year, 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.

What will you dance at The Island House in the Bahamas?

I chose the first piece by Van Opstal after seeing the ballet in December. The creation deeply moved me; I was touched by the dedication of the Opera dancers and the strength emanating from this work. The pas de deux performed by Mickaël Lafon with Clémence Gros particularly moved me and completely amazed me. There is a great fluidity to it, with moments of beautiful intensity.

When I was invited to dance at Iconique with Mickaël, we immediately had the same desire: to share the pas de deux he had danced. For the second piece, we chose to dance the pas de deux from Le Parc. I am very happy to be able to present it for the first time. It is a pas de deux that we should have danced some time ago, but the conditions weren’t right. In March, we have the pleasure of presenting it to you, and we are deeply honoured.

Myriam Ould-Braham & Mickaël Lafon performing Swan Lake pas de deux at Hatch House 2023
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather

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.

What are you most looking forward to about returning to dance with the Covent Garden Dance Company?

What I am most looking forward to is 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.

Hatch House 2023 - Photo credit: Alice Pennefather

Hatch House 2023 - Photo credit: Alice Pennefather

What will you work on when you return to Paris?

Upon my return to Paris, I will work on a creation that I am working on with Mickaël. We are fortunate to be able to dance with great musicians in an iconic location: the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

Have you ever danced in the Bahamas before? Will you bring your children with you?

Yes, we would like to take our children, since it is vacation time in Paris at that period. It is an exceptional event, and I find it wonderful to be able to share this moment with them. However, we do not wish to disrupt or impose ourselves. So we will see if it happens naturally.

What three things do people not know about you?

I am extremely shy, I love tranquility, and the third will remain my little secret!