A teenage girl from Romania writes history in the world of ballet. At only 16 years old, Carina Giorgiu became the first Romanian admitted to the ballet corps of the Paris National Opera, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
The announcement was made by the Romanian Embassy in France, which described the success of the young ballerina as “an extraordinary new news” for Romania.
“New extraordinary news from Paris: at only 16 years old, Carina Giorgiu becomes the first Romanian member of the ballet corps of the National Opera in Paris. Endowed with exceptional talent, doubled by seriousness and absolute discipline, Carina is now part of this elite ballet corps following an ultra-competitive selection contest, through which, as the first runner-up, she obtained a contract for the entire course of a ballet career in France”. sent the Embassy of Romania in France on the official Facebook page.
He started ballet at the age of 4
Embassy representatives invited the young ballerina to the Béhague Palace, the residence of the Romanian ambassador to France, where she shared her story. Carina Giorgiu started studying ballet at the age of four, in Bucharest, under the guidance of teacher Roxana Dinu.
Between the ages of four and 11, she was on the podium at every competition she entered. Later, trained by teacher Lorelei Vișinescu Bari, she took part in her first international competition, held in Paris, in November 2021.
“It gave us great joy to invite her to the Béhague Palace and learn her story: she started ballet at the age of 4, in Bucharest, under the training of teacher Roxana Dinu. She climbed the podium at all the competitions she participated in, from 4 to 11 years old. Under the guidance of teacher Lorelai Vișinescu Bari, she participated in her first international competition, in Paris, in November 2021”. the embassy representatives wrote.
From international competitions to the Paris Opera
His rise continued. After winning the Hope Award at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix, Carina was invited to audition for the Paris Opera School in May 2022, one of the most selective ballet schools in the world. She was admitted after an extremely difficult competition, and a few months later, in July 2022, she also won the Most Outstanding Solo award at the Dance World Cup.
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He moved to Paris at the age of 12 to attend the ballet school of the National Opera
“Then, in July 2022, she won the Most Outstanding Solo prize at the Dance World Cup, after which, at just 12 years old, she moved to Paris, where she began her studies, living at a boarding school, and on weekends with a friendly Romanian family. Her parents fully supported her all these years, both in Romania and in France”the Romanian Embassy in France also specified
In April 2026, Carina Giorgiu performed a soloist role in the “Soir de Fête” show, and in June came the long-awaited confirmation: employment in the ballet corps of the National Opera in Paris.
Inspired by the famous ballerina Sylvie Guillem and passionate about nutrition in her spare time, the young woman says her favorite show is “La Bayadère”, in the choreographic version made by Rudolf Nureyev.
“This wonderful teenager proved that great talent, together with work, courage and tenacity, can write an exemplary story of a young life, haloed by recognition on the highest opera stage of the world. We congratulate Carina from the bottom of our hearts and we, along with her parents, are proud of everything she has achieved so far. Full success in this great horizon that opens up for her!”, the representatives of the Romanian Embassy in France sent.
