Roxanne Stojanov On December 28, she shone in the main role in the ballet "Paquita" on the most prestigious ballet stage at the National Opera of Paris, France. The road to the Paris Opera was not easy, especially to earn the place of "Star" (Étoile), which is the highest recognition. Roxanne Stojanov is Macedonian by father, French by mother. Although she is a relatively unknown name to the Macedonian public, her success resonated strongly not only in the ballet scene in our country, but also in the world in general.

From the first ballet steps she took in Skopje, to today being the prima ballerina of the oldest and most famous opera-ballet company in France and in the world, Roxanne tells in an interview for "Sloboden Pechat".

How does it feel to be the star of the prestigious Paris Opera?

– I feel immense gratitude and pride. This is a huge recognition for me, but also for my overall work, for all the work I have put in over the years, not only for my preparation for the role in the ballet "Pahita", but also completely for my development, as a ballerina, especially now after I received this prestigious Étoile status. Being a prima ballerina now means that I represent the Paris Ballet, which I must pay special respect to, especially as we carry on what has been left to us by previous generations of exceptional artists.

Is it difficult to earn this place in the oldest and most famous opera-ballet house in France and in the world?

– It is really very difficult, especially to become a professional ballet dancer and to live from your passion. At the Paris Opera School of Dance there are exams every year to see if you can move on to the next level or you will be dismissed from the school if you do not make satisfactory progress.

To become a prima ballerina, you have to deserve it, and that is decided by general director Alexandre Neff and the director of the Paris Opera Ballet, José Martínez.

What was your path to success?

– After completing the ballet education, which lasted six years, I applied for a competition to enter the Ballet of the Opera in Paris. I was accepted after my second attempt. After I got a job with a permanent contract, my path did not end there, because I wanted to progress.
In the hierarchy of ballet there are five degrees and they always start in the ensemble (quadrille, coryphée), and gradually progress through the ranks, soloist (sujet), first soloist (premier danseuse) and finally prima ballerina or Étoile.

You also have to pass a competition held every year where you have to present two solo performances, two variations from the ballet repertoire, one variation is mandatory, while the second is optional. All candidates of the competition are evaluated by an expert jury together with our two directors.

My progress didn't take long, but it didn't happen overnight either. I spent two to four years at each rank, learning my trade and now finally feel ready for greater responsibilities.

Where did the love for ballet come from? When did you discover you had talent and who supported you the most?

– My love for dance did not come immediately. I wasn't even interested in that. The idea to enroll me in dance lessons came from my two sisters, because as a child I was constantly dancing, to literally every beat or music. I think I liked the challenge the most. The teachers I met told my parents that I had the potential for so much more. They always encouraged me to push my limits and gave me ever greater responsibilities. I was not afraid to accept challenges. My parents did not know the ballet world before, but together with me they trusted all my teachers and professors. They always supported me, assuring me that if it was too difficult for me or if I failed, it wasn't terrible and that they wouldn't blame me.

Is it true that he took his first ballet steps in Skopje and did he dream of such success?

– Yes, it's true! We moved to Skopje when I was 5 and a half years old. I started dancing at the age of 8 in the ballet studio "Tutu" with Irena. I remember it like it was yesterday. From today's perspective, as an adult artist, I can say that I got the best ballet foundation here. Back then I didn't know what it meant to be a ballerina, especially a prima ballerina, but I think what captured the magic of the stage for me was the role of Tinkerbell and my participation in the Peter Pan ballet. I saw what emotions it could evoke in others and I felt like a fish in water on stage. It was a real treat! But I must also say that before I started taking ballet lessons, I went to the gym for a while with my best friend Elena.

Do you often come to Skopje because your father is Macedonian?

- Yes, after our departure from Skopje to Paris, when I was 9 and a half years old, we regularly returned to Macedonia, especially to visit my family from my father's side, who live there, as well as friends with whom we are still in contact today. we hang out. Unfortunately, my father is no longer with us, but I continue to come when my schedule allows and I look forward to showing this country, Macedonia, to my friends from Paris.

Skopje, Brussels and Paris... How was it during your studies?

– After I started practicing at the age of eight in Skopje, a year later my parents and I left for Brussels. But my parents did not live in Paris while I was at the Paris School. I was in boarding school for six years and I only returned home to Brussels for weekends. The same thing happened after that, for a few years in Bordeaux (France) where my parents moved, so I only went to them for weekends. It was hard, but it was worth it.

What is it like to live the "Paris dream", especially in the arts and to be part of the Paris ballet scene?

- The Paris Opera and Ballet is very famous in the world, it is almost the best ballet company in the world. We have many advantages compared to the smaller ballet scenes in France. I am sure of one thing, and that is that I am really happy to be a part of the Paris Opera Ballet.

Paris is a cultural metropolis filled with many museums, theaters, concert halls… it is important as an artist in culture to be able to find other sources of inspiration in other cultural areas as well. The culture here is very supportive and I'm glad to have the opportunity to bring my art to young people around the world. I would very much like to connect my two countries, Macedonia and France, and I sincerely hope that one day I will have the opportunity to perform in Skopje again.

What are your next plans and projects?

- Next for me is the ballet "Onegin" and the role of Olga choreographed by John Cranko, which is in the repertoire of the Paris Opera and Ballet in February, in March and April the modern ballet "Apartment" by Mats Ek follows, then I will perform in the ballet "Sylvia" in the title role is finally scheduled to tour China during the summer months.