Management

For his second international guest appearance as an étoile, Guillaume Diop was invited by the Royal Swedish Ballet to star in Gustavia, a new creation. The ballet pays tribute to Gustave Badin—a historical figure who was enslaved before being adopted and raised at the Swedish royal court.

This role gave Guillaume the opportunity not only to embody an extraordinary figure and honor his legacy but also to take an active part in the creative process of a daring and visionary production. From the very first performance, its success was undeniable: a full house, a standing ovation from the King of Sweden, and an electrified audience all testified to the magnitude of the event. Initially scheduled for a later revival, Gustavia generated such fervor that its return was moved up, cementing its impact far beyond the traditional ballet sphere.

Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Swedish Opera