“Kammer/Kammer” (chor. William Forsythe /Ballett Frankfurt) Sept 25-28, 8:30pm. Paris audiences had become accustomed to American choreographer William Forsythe’s annual creations at the Théâtre Musical de Paris Châtelet-TMP where his company Ballett Frankfurt had been in residence for many years. But, from now on Forsythe will be on the bill at the Théâtre National de Chaillot, which in the space of a year has begun to rival with the Opera and Théâtre de la Ville for its exciting and eclectic dance programing. Forsythe’s physically demanding deconstructed ballet style challenges even the world’s most versatile movers. He never shies away from testing the body’s limits, or from experimenting with new technology in his productions. His new work“Kammer/Kammer” not only includes dance, film and video but a movie star, you’re not gonna believe this one! — Catherine Deneuve. Her role will remain a mystery, until the opening night.Théâtre National de Chaillot, 1 pl du Trocadéro, 16e, M° Trocadéro, tel: 01 53 65 30 00

“Gala des Etoiles du XXIe Siècle” Sept 21 & 23, 8pm, Sept 22, 3pm. Now in its fourth edition, the “Gala des Etoiles du XXI Siècle” has become the ultimate international ballet gathering taking place each fall, at the posh Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. Setting out to bring together the world’s leading étoiles and solo performers, this year’s gala features Lucia Lacarra and Cyril Pierre from the Munich Ballet in the pas de deux “La Dame aux Camélias,” the Bolshoi Ballet’s Svetlana Lunkina and Dimitri Goudanov in “La Sylphide” and “La fille du pharaon,” Jae-Yong Ohm and Seh-Yun Kim from the Universal Ballet in London in an excerpt from“Sleeping Beauty” and “Adagio pour cordes,” Maria Gimenez (Milan Ballet), Inaki Urlezaga (Royal Ballet), Lorna Feijoo and Rolando Sarabia (Cuban National Ballet)... And, last but not least — Linda-Denise Evans and Matthew Rusching from the Alvin Ailey Ballet Theater, in Ailey’s classic duos“Pas de Duke” and “Revelations.” Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, 15 av Montaigne, 8e, M° Alma-Marceau, tel: 01 49 52 50 50

“Spectacle de Ballets” (chor. Roland Petit and Jerome Robbins) Sept 25, 26 & 28, 7:30pm, Sept 29, 3pm.The Paris Opera launches its season with a highly entertaining Franco-American program of masterpieces by Roland Petit and Jerome Robbins. Petit, who retired two years ago, unwillingly yielding the artistic direction of the Marseille National Ballet — which he had founded 25 years earlier — to Marie-Claude Pietragalla, has since been devoted to choreographing shows for his indefatigable 75-year-old wife Zizi Jeanmaire and overseeing the transmission of his famous works, such as as“l’Arlésienne” and “Passacaille,” presented in this program at the Opera. Also included are two major works by Jerome Robbins, who passed away a few years ago, after a lifelong career at the New York City Ballet.Opéra National de Paris-Palais Garnier, Paris Opera Ballet Company, pl de l’Opéra, 9e, M° Opéra, tel: 0 892 69 78 68
Compiled by Carol Pratl

by Carol Pratl