Movement/Dance Workshops
Ballet Julien Lestel / Mireille Tissier

For 165 years, the IRSAM association has been welcoming, supporting, integrating, and educating young people and adults of all ages with sensory disabilities, as well as individuals with autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and multiple or complex disabilities. This support extends throughout their entire lives.

On June 28, 2024, the performance “PLURIEL” took place, marking another year of collaboration with choreographer Julien Lestel and the ballet dancers who have been working with about ten residents of E.A.N.M Les Nénuphars since 2022.
This initiative, now in its second year, aims to “showcase residents with unique abilities” through forms of artistic expression that go beyond educational, psychological, and therapeutic care. Art serves as a means to alleviate anxiety, stabilize emotions, and enhance their unique self-expression while also helping to free their bodies, which may be restricted by psychomotor impairments.

“Collaborating with artists rather than therapists or art therapists opens ambitious perspectives in terms of treatment for each resident involved. This approach serves as a way for them to understand their blindness and to sublimate their associated psychological disorders.
In this regard, we commend the commitment of the choreographer and his dancers, who continue these efforts with humility, respect, and kindness. Furthermore, we recognize the determination of the residents of Les Nénuphars, who have demonstrated dedication, pushed beyond their physical limits, and found a space to express themselves through movement.
Through performances, the goal is to create bridges between the world of disability and the socio-cultural environment.”

Excerpt from the association’s website

Discussion time with around twenty young people from the M.E.C.S (Children’s Social Care Home)

The importance of introducing our profession, sharing our passion, and engaging with those who have never had the opportunity to attend a dance performance. A lot of joy and spontaneity emerged from these exchanges.

Body Movement Workshop
Daycare center managed by Adapei

A group of adults with intellectual disabilities along with their educators. These individuals usually benefit from a body movement workshop focused on rhythm and body awareness, but it was interrupted due to the lockdown.

The origins of Adapei 91 date back to 1969, at a time when there were no facilities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. To find solutions, parents came together to form associations, which later federated and laid the foundation for Unapei (National Union of Associations of Parents, People with Intellectual Disabilities, and Their Friends).

The Gala Marseille Espérance was an opportunity to bring together the people of Marseille for a major friendly gathering, welcoming the Ballet Julien Lestel, Alexandra Cardinale, and the National School of Dance of Marseille.

The dancers took over the stage at the Dôme with excerpts from two major works in the company’s repertoire: Boléro and The Rite of Spring. On this occasion, choreographer Julien Lestel gave higher-level students the great privilege of sharing the stage with his professional dancers.

Art in harmony with tolerance and sharing is not just a symbolic aspiration for Marseille Espérance.
“The idea is to propose common actions to bring people together, create connections, and unite the people of Marseille from different cultures and religions. Marseille Espérance does not concern itself with religion or politics. The foundation of this initiative is respect for everyone, dialogue, and friendship….”
Excerpt from the association’s website

A major annual event marked by exchange, sharing, and friendship, perfectly aligned with the values that drive Marseille Espérance.