Clara Boselli, from the Princess Grace Academy of Monaco to the Royal Swedish Ballet: the rise of a dancer from the Côte d'Azur

"I'm happy to be living my dream!" At just 21 years old, Clara Boselli is already savoring every step of her meticulously crafted career. From Grasse to the Royal Swedish Ballet and Monaco, the young dancer has transformed a childhood passion into an international career.

Born in Grasse in 2003, she discovered dance at the age of 3, almost by imitation. "To be like my big sister," who was five years her senior. Very quickly, the pleasure became a vocation. At the age of 6, she joined the Regional Center for Choreographic Art in Grasse - now closed - where she trained in jazz, classical and contemporary dance. "I had a great teacher, she was the one who pushed me to pursue a professional career."

At 13, she tried her luck at the Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, a world-renowned institution for training professional dancers. "At the time, I wasn't stressed; I went without pressure, as it was my first audition." A winning bet: she was selected to join this prestigious institution, becoming one of the few French women admitted.

Training of excellence

The five-year program is as intense as it is educational. "It was very varied, from technique, pointe work, contemporary dance, and classes that sometimes lasted until 9 p.m.," recalls the Grasse native. The prize for excellence: €13,000 per year, covered in part by an online fundraiser and sponsors mobilized around her talent.

The investment is worth it. "This school has taught me a lot, both technically and personally. It's an international school, I discovered many cultures there and I perfected my English in just a few weeks. I also learned rigor and discipline there. They prepare us very well for the professional world."

In her final year, she was spotted by Nicolas Le Riche, a principal dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet, who was then director of the Royal Swedish Ballet. "It was a dream to work with him!"

The Great Nordic Leap

She joined the Royal Swedish Ballet in 2022. A new life began in Stockholm. "In winter, at -15 degrees, it's a change from Grasse... but it's worth it; it's a beautiful city."

Recently promoted to second soloist, Clara has already performed the lead roles in Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet, often performing to sold-out audiences of 1,600. "It's a different, unique energy every night. Ballet is very demanding, not just technically. We're telling a story, which helped me open up."

Become a principal dancer

She'll begin her fourth season in August. The pace is fast, with seven shows a year and regular tours. But the young woman savors every moment: "I come back to see my family in the summer and at Christmas." The next step? Climbing the final rungs to become a principal dancer. It's no surprise for someone who, at the age of 3, had already found her calling!