What Laurent Hilaire's Bold Leadership Style Teaches Dance Studio Directors

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-22

When a world-class dancer steps into the director's chair, the entire company watches. Laurent Hilaire, the former étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet, recently shared what it's like to lead the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich. His approach offers real lessons for anyone running a dance studio or choreographing for a company. ### The Leap from Performer to Leader Making the jump from dancer to director is never easy. You go from focusing on your own body and artistry to managing dozens of other artists, each with their own ambitions and insecurities. Hilaire describes it as "going for it" – a phrase that captures the courage needed to step into a role where you're no longer the star but the guide. For studio owners and choreographers in the United States, this shift feels familiar. One day you're teaching a class you love. The next, you're handling payroll, scheduling, and keeping morale high. The key, Hilaire suggests, is to stay connected to the art while embracing the business side. ### Three Lessons from Hilaire's Approach - **Lead by example, not by decree.** Hilaire doesn't just tell dancers what to do. He shows them through his own work ethic and passion. In your studio, this might mean demonstrating a difficult combination or staying late to help a student. - **Trust your team.** A director can't do everything alone. Hilaire relies on his ballet masters, répétiteurs, and administrative staff. For a dance studio, this means hiring strong teachers and letting them teach their way. - **Keep the art first.** Even when budgets are tight or a show is stressful, Hilaire returns to the reason he started: the love of dance. Your studio's mission should be the same. > "The most important thing is to keep the flame alive," Hilaire says. "If you lose that, you have nothing." ### How This Applies to Your Studio or Company Running a dance business in the U.S. comes with unique challenges. Rent in a major city can run $5,000 to $10,000 per month for a decent space. Insurance, costumes, and competition fees add up fast. But the principles Hilaire uses in Munich work just as well in a 1,200-square-foot studio in Chicago or a converted warehouse in Los Angeles. **Focus on your culture.** Hilaire talks about creating an environment where dancers feel safe to take risks. That means encouraging mistakes in rehearsal so dancers can find something new. In your studio, this translates to positive reinforcement and a no-shame policy during class. **Communicate clearly.** A director who mumbles or avoids hard conversations loses the room. Hilaire is known for being direct but kind. When you're choreographing a new piece or setting a schedule, clarity saves time and frustration. **Plan for the long haul.** Hilaire didn't become a director overnight. He spent years dancing, observing, and learning. For your studio, think in seasons, not weeks. What do you want your recital to look like six months from now? What about your company's reputation in five years? ### Practical Steps for Dance Professionals If you're a choreographer or studio director inspired by Hilaire's story, here are a few things you can do starting this week: - Set aside 30 minutes each week to think about your vision. Write it down. - Have one honest conversation with a staff member or dancer about how things are going. - Watch a video of a company you admire and ask yourself what they do differently. Hilaire's journey shows that leading a dance organization is about more than steps and staging. It's about people, passion, and the willingness to go for it every single day.