He is the first Belgian to become Danseur Étoile at the Paris Opera Ballet. Named Walloon of the Year 2025, he embodies a subtle but powerful Walloon excellence on one of the most prestigious world stages. At the age of 12, he left his small village of Stave (Namur) to join the Paris Opera Ballet School. This decision would have been impossible without a teacher of the Dinant Academy. « She supported me and pushed me in this direction. »
Ten years later, in 2024, he was promoted to Premier danseur - a first! In his own words, Thomas came equipped “with all the necessary tools” and feels right at home. Then, on 21 June 2026, during a performance of « La Bayadère », came the ultimate recognition: he was named Danseur Étoile, becoming ready for « the beginning of greater responsibility for a dancer. »
Thomas hopes that young people in Wallonia will think, « The Paris Opera is accessible. With determination, anything is possible ».
WAB Magazine
