PARIS BALLET AND DANCE - IT IS WHERE THE BOYS, AND YOUNG MEN ARE! From the day it opened, Paris Ballet and Dance has been the place where boys and men young learn to dance. At this present time, the School including The Conservatory, has a large number of very talented boys, and young men in attendance.
Like girls who take specialized pointe classes, as a boy grows, they also need classes geared specifically for them. As a renowned former world-class dancer and superb master teacher, Director Jean-Hugues Feray has always been aware of those needs.
Though very rewarding, being a man in the world of dance can be strenuous. They must not only need to be a good dancer but they also must be strong, and well trained for the stylized steps, jumps and turns they must perform. They also must be strong enough to lift a living human being, and transport then across the stage while gently placing them down making it all look effortless.
BOY/MEN'S CLASSES Paris Ballet and Dance has special and classes for both young men, and younger boys to teach them the stylized steps, turns, jumps and “tricks” required of any professional male dancer. These classes also incorporate training for *strength, conditioning, endurance and stamina, as well. There are also classes for different age groups.
PARTNERING CLASSES It is in pas de deux (partnering) classes at Paris Ballet and Dance where a young man also uses his strength, agility and balance he has acquired during his years of training – to dance with girls. These young men learn how to properly lift and turn a partner while training with the advanced girls of the School. They also use their classroom experience in performances.
Taught by experienced teachers who are/were also professional dancers, these classes have been a huge advantage to Paris Ballet and Dance boys when they go off to summer intensives throughout the world. They are far better prepared than many boys from other schools. Girls in the school also benefit greatly from having regular partnering classes, usually not offered in other schools, as well.
VARIATIONS Throughout their training, boys and young men may be taught classical variations to be performed in various performances, and productions.
PARIS BALLET AND DANCE BOYS AND YOUNG MEN ARE TRUE ATHLETES Serious advanced dance students (and professionals) train mostly every day of the year, with only few breaks. Dance training is only for the strong who have the talent, desire and commitment, and are willing to work hard. With dance training comes incredible control, strength, power, stamina, agility and flexibility. These are attributes every sport demands. In fact, many professional and college athletic teams require their members to attend ballet classes.
With that in mind, Paris Ballet and Dance's talented boys and young men train very hard and are encouraged in an extremely positive way. Mr. Feray and his teachers always bring out a student's passion for dance while pushing them to be stronger, and better when preparing them for the dance world. All the boys enjoy and look forward to their special hours in the classroom created just for them!
A COMMON SIGHT Paris Ballet and Dance has so many boys and young men from ages four to seventeen, students and parents become pretty used to seeing them around all the time -- every day. However, having so many boys around is not so common in other schools who may be fortunate to have just one or maybe two.
WHY? Paris Ballet and Dance is the School where boys and young men dance!
* Paris Ballet and Dance encourages extra strength training, i.e. going to a gym or training at home. However, it is very important to talk to the Director as to the proper age when to start. Weight training for a younger boy can actually be detrimental. Their body is not ready. It is also important to talk about the difference between strength training and bodybuilding. They both produce two completely different results. One is definitely not conducive for dancing.