Is the Paris Opera Ballet School Real?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris Opera Ballet School is one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. It has produced some of the best dancers in history, including Rudolf Nureyev and Sylvie Guillem.

However, there have been rumors circulating about the school’s authenticity. Is the Paris Opera Ballet School real? Let’s find out.

History of the Paris Opera Ballet School
The Paris Opera Ballet School was founded in 1713 by Louis XIV as part of the Académie Royale de Musique (Royal Academy of Music). It was initially created to train dancers for the court ballets, but it soon became a training ground for professional dancers.

Today, the school is located in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris. It is considered one of the best ballet schools in the world and is known for its rigorous training program.

Admission to the School
Admission to the Paris Opera Ballet School is highly competitive. Students must be between 8 and 16 years old and must pass an audition process that includes a physical examination, dance tests, and an interview.

Only a small percentage of applicants are accepted each year, making it one of the most selective schools in the world.

The Training Program
The training program at the Paris Opera Ballet School is intense and demanding. Students attend classes six days a week and study a variety of dance styles, including classical ballet, contemporary dance, character dance, and historical dance.

In addition to dance classes, students also attend academic classes such as French language lessons, history classes, and mathematics classes.

The goal of the training program is to produce well-rounded dancers who are capable of performing a variety of roles in different genres of dance.

Graduates of the School
Graduates of the Paris Opera Ballet School have gone on to have successful careers as professional dancers. Some notable alumni include Rudolf Nureyev, Sylvie Guillem, and Benjamin Millepied.

Many graduates have also gone on to become choreographers, teachers, and artistic directors. The school has a strong alumni network that supports its graduates as they navigate their careers in the dance world.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Paris Opera Ballet School is a real and highly respected institution. Its rigorous training program and selective admission process have produced some of the best dancers in history.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in dance, the Paris Opera Ballet School is definitely worth considering. However, be prepared for a challenging and demanding training program that requires dedication and hard work.