From Screen to Stage: Constance Devernay-Laurence in Prime Video's Étoile
- Olivia Godwin
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
Your insight into the live stage adaptation of 'I Married Myself', the finale solo choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon for Prime Video's latest series Étoile, performed on screen by Constance Devernay-Laurence, and soon on stage at Ballet Nights 008: Spring into Summer.
Set in New York City and Paris, the eight-episode series Étoile follows the dancers and artistic staff of two world-renowned ballet companies, as they embark on an ambitious gambit to save their storied institutions by swapping their most talented stars.
Having stepped back from Scottish Ballet, where she was Principal since 2016, Constance Devernay-Laurence joined the filming of Étoile, starring as the dancing double for the lead character Lou De Laâge, as well as acting the part of one of the Paris dancers, Mélanie.
‘I Married Myself’, choreographed for the show by Christopher Wheeldon, is the climactic finale solo of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino latest series, performed by Constance, and first adapted for stage for Ballet Nights 008: Spring into Summer on the 5th June at Cadogan Hall.
We spoke to Constance to find out a bit more about her experience filming the show.
Given your extensive on-stage career, what has it been like to move to screen?
Transitioning from stage to screen was very exciting for me and a medium I was very keen to explore. On stage, everything is live, there’s a heightened energy and an immediacy in how you connect with the audience. On screen, the camera catches everything, even the subtlest expressions, so it requires a completely different kind of focus and sensitivity. I had to learn to scale things down, to trust stillness and change my performance style to being more intimate and inward.
I found the absence of an audience when dancing for screen tricky at first. But I learned that I had to trust myself more deeply, and be emotionally honest. It’s a different kind of vulnerability, and a very different kind of connection.
And what was it like working with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, choreographer Marguerite Derricks, and the rest of the Étoile cast?
It was a wonderful experience. Amy and Dan are creative forces, so witty and deeply committed to their vision. Their attention to detail is remarkable. Their scripts are like choreography in themselves: rhythmically precise, emotionally layered, and full of unexpected turns. Working with them is like stepping into a world where every detail matters, and yet you’re given the freedom to bring your own truth to the role and as a dancer, I loved that!
Working with Marguerite Derricks was a masterclass in precision, musicality and storytelling through movement. She requires speed, versatility and a maturity of movement and is able to make ballet feel bold, sexy, and completely alive. She blends strength and sensuality without losing the integrity of the art form, it’s really fun to dance.
The entire cast of dancers was incredible. It was such a joy to meet so many talented artists, share our passion and stories, and grow together through this experience.
What do you hope audiences will get from the TV show?
It’s amazing to see ballet with professional ballet dancers at the forefront of a major series like Étoile, that respect our art form. I hope it brings audiences into the theatre and maybe even seduces those who thought ballet wasn’t for them. The show reveals the heart, the struggle, and the joy behind the art form in a way that’s fresh, fun, and unexpected. Let’s not forget, it’s a comedy-drama! There’s real emotion, but also plenty of sharp humour and I really hope it brings people joy.
This is not a performance to miss - with less than three weeks to go, secure your tickets today!
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