Nice Takes Centre Stage: Two Distinctive Ballet Visions Meet at the Opéra de Nice

 

20–25 October 2026 | Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur

The French Riviera’s cultural calendar has something special in store for dance lovers this week, as the Ballet de l’Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur welcomes audiences for a compelling double bill featuring two distinctive choreographic voices: Jean-Christophe Maillot and Ioannis Mandafounis. Beginning today, Tuesday, 20 October, the performances bring together the heritage of contemporary ballet and the excitement of new artistic creation on the stage of one of Nice’s most celebrated cultural institutions.

This is not simply an evening of traditional ballet. It is an opportunity to experience two different approaches to movement, expression and storytelling, united by a shared interest in the possibilities of the human body and the language of dance.

Jean-Christophe Maillot: An Ode to Youth and Love

A major figure in the dance world, Jean-Christophe Maillot has been the director and choreographer of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo since 1993. His influence on the region’s artistic landscape has been considerable, making the presentation of his work within the repertoire of the Ballet de l’Opéra de Nice a particularly meaningful occasion.

His contribution to this programme is Opus 40, a work originally created in 2000 to mark his fortieth birthday. Rather than following a conventional narrative, the ballet explores the sensations and emotions that shape our lives, from the discoveries of childhood to the first stirrings of romantic attraction and the deeper experience of love.

Accompanied by the experimental vocal compositions of American composer and performer Meredith Monk, the work places the emphasis on movement, gesture and human connection. Colourful costumes and the absence of elaborate scenery allow the dancers’ physical expression to take centre stage.

The result is an intimate and evocative exploration of youth, memory and emotional discovery, offering audiences a glimpse into Maillot’s distinctive choreographic imagination.

Ioannis Mandafounis: A World Premiere in Nice

Alongside Maillot’s established work comes something entirely new. Ioannis Mandafounis, artistic director of the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, has created Funkier than a mosquito, a world premiere commissioned for the Nice ballet.

Known for his exploration of improvisation and contemporary movement, Mandafounis brings a fresh perspective to classical ballet technique. His creation draws on music by Nina Simone and combines choreographed sequences with movement developed through improvisation, allowing the dancers to contribute to the creative process.

One of the central ideas is the relationship between classical ballet and contemporary dance. Familiar movements and classical variations are echoed and transformed through a more modern vocabulary, creating an engaging dialogue between two traditions. The work also explores the use of pointe technique within contemporary choreography, challenging expectations about how ballet can look and feel.

The atmosphere promises to move between intimate moments and energetic group sequences, with a sense of playfulness and celebration running through the performance. For audiences curious about where ballet is heading, this world premiere offers an opportunity to discover a new work at the beginning of its life on stage.

Two Generations, Two Styles, One Stage

What makes this programme particularly interesting is the contrast between its two works. Maillot’s Opus 40 reflects on the emotional experiences that accompany growing up, while Mandafounis’s new creation explores the interaction between classical vocabulary, improvisation and contemporary expression.

Together, they offer a reminder that ballet is not a fixed art form preserved in the past. It continues to evolve through new ideas, new collaborations and the creativity of the dancers who bring each work to life.

The programme is also designed to appeal beyond an audience of established ballet enthusiasts. Its combination of familiar technique, contemporary experimentation and expressive movement offers an accessible introduction for those who may not regularly attend dance performances.

Performance Dates and Practical Information

The performances take place at the Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur, at 4–6 rue Saint-François-de-Paule in central Nice.

The remaining scheduled dates are:

• Tuesday, 20 October — 8 pm

• Wednesday, 21 October — 8 pm

• Thursday, 22 October — 8 pm

• Friday, 23 October — 8 pm

• Saturday, 24 October — 8 pm

• Sunday, 25 October — 3 pm

Tickets are listed from €6 to €34, subject to availability.

For the latest details and booking information, visit the official Nice Côte d’Azur event listing.

A Cultural Week Worth Celebrating

The French Riviera may be internationally renowned for its sunshine, Mediterranean coastline and glamorous lifestyle, but its artistic institutions are an equally important part of its identity. Performances such as this demonstrate the region’s continuing commitment to creativity and cultural exchange, giving residents and visitors opportunities to experience something inspiring throughout the year.

With an established choreographic voice meeting a new creation, this week’s ballet programme offers a particularly appealing reason to spend an evening at the opera in Nice. Whether you are a devoted dance enthusiast or simply looking for a different cultural experience, the meeting of Maillot and Mandafounis promises a fascinating glimpse into the many possibilities of contemporary ballet.

Sometimes, the best way to experience the French Riviera is not from a terrace overlooking the sea, but from a seat in the theatre, watching exceptional artists bring something entirely new to life.