Photo: JOEL SAGET
Hannah O'Neill's recent appointment to étoile status at the Paris Opera Ballet generated headlines around the world, partly because it's so rare for foreigners to achieve it.
The 30-year-old New Zealander has propelled up the ranks of the prestigious company since joining the corps de ballet in 2011. In-keeping with tradition, the appointment was made, without warning, after a recent performance of Opera Garnier.
Hannah tells Susie Ferguson her story, which began with her early years in Tokyo, starting out in ballet at the age of three, encouraged by her mum.
