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Pictures courtesy of the French Academie of Ballet
When the French Academie of Ballet (FAB) opened its doors this past summer, its founder and Artistic Director Francois Perron wasn’t sure how many students would attend the three-week summer intensive. New York has, after all, several elite pre-professional dance programs. But FAB’s studios were packed with talented young dancers, and a full 97% opted to continue on in the fall program.

What’s the attraction? “The hallmark of French ballet training is its elegance,” Perron remarked, “Good dancers instinctively recognize the rigor and artistry that will help them become beautiful dancers.” Perron, a graduate of the Paris Opera Ballet School who studied under Claude Bessy, is committed to making that happen. A New York resident since his days dancing at City Ballet, he founded the French Academie of Ballet out of a passion for the French classical style. “Classical technique offers an ideal launching point into all other styles of ballet,” he notes, pointing to the success of his former students who now work for prestigious companies like American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and North Carolina Dance Theatre.
The pre-professional program at FAB accepts dancers as young as age twelve, with admission by audition. Permanent faculty include Perron, Nadege Hottier, and choreographer Brice Mousset. Guest instructors have included Paris Opera Ballet’s Karin Averty and ABT’s Nicole Graniero. This December the school will offer a French Masters Workshop at City Center, enabling students to immerse themselves in French technique over four days.

Perron has still more plans for the future, particularly when it comes to performances. “We look forward to the day when you’ll be able to see French repertoire here in New York,” he says with a smile, “I have some beautiful dancers this city needs to see…”

Article by Julia Attaway

French Academie of Ballet
info@frenchacademieofballet.org
646-703-0414

French Masters Workshop
December 18-21, 2011 at New York’s City Centre
130 W. 56th Street