Celine Dion is training like a professional dancer for her Paris residency, and her coach says the idea made her eyes light up.
Dion’s preparation for her Paris residency includes Pilates, yoga, ballet and contemporary dance, with coaching sessions that can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Her personal performance coach, former ballet dancer Naomi Stikeman, says they’ve been working together both before the concerts and during the run.
The 58-year-old singer returned to the spotlight in September after stepping away following her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis. Her 26-show residency at Plenitude Arena in Nanterre, France, runs through May 2027.
Stikeman says Dion wanted to build strength and flexibility while finding artistic inspiration when they first spoke several years ago. “I offered to train her as if she were a professional dancer, and her eyes lit up,” she said. “The idea resonated with her, and that approach became part of her path to peak performance.”
Each session begins on a mat with a gentle warm-up, attention to individual body parts and core work, checking that Dion’s spine and joints are aligned and moving freely. Standing exercises then build strength and balance, progressing from weight on both legs to weight on a single leg.
The work changes from day to day, combining disciplines with stretching and movements Stikeman has developed for Dion over the years. Longer sessions can include dance improvisation with a partner, and music helps guide their work.
“My goal is for CĂ©line to feel empowered inside and out, so she can enjoy her time on stage and perform at her best,” Stikeman said. “CĂ©line doesn’t set any limitations for herself, and her progress has been incredible to witness.”
