Conference “The Keys to Excellence and High Standards in Service of Dance” followed by a dance performance with two soloists from the Ballet Julien Lestel

The Grand Littoral Business Club was founded in February 2019. It is led by Eddy and Isabelle Schuster. It is the 13th club in France based on the model created by Olivier Talbert, founder of the Business Club network. The GLBC is a network of business leaders and decision-makers, primarily from the industrial sector. Members come together with a shared goal: growing their business. Once a month, they gather for a lunch debate with selected guests to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore new collaborations.

“I must admit, I am a complete novice in classical dance and had never seen a ballet before. But honestly, I was blown away by the discipline and rigor required to become a professional dancer. As someone passionate about team sports, where solidarity and mutual support among teammates are essential, I discovered a fascinating and entirely different world. In classical dance, as Alexandra explained, the level of demand is extreme. Imagine being only 9 years old, already in constant competition, under relentless pressure, and at risk of being sidelined for having a physique deemed ‘too muscular’… even if you are the most talented in your class. Classical dance requires perpetual self-questioning, iron discipline, and a perfect understanding of not only your own choreography but also that of others. At any moment, you might have to replace a partner. To conclude this luncheon, we were treated to a magnificent performance by two dancers. This moment inspired me to open myself more to this art. A huge thank you to Alexandra Cardinale for this wonderful lesson in life and inspiration.”
GLBC Member

“As always, we are incredibly fortunate to have such high-quality speakers within our club, Grand Littoral Business Club (59), who allow us, even for a moment, to gain perspective, share their stories, and testify to their resilience and perseverance after experiencing difficult times.
Being a business leader also means falling and getting back up. Thank you, Alexandra Cardinale, and for this incredible opportunity we had to witness an excerpt of contemporary ballet, so rich in emotion, that deeply touched my heart.”
GLBC Member

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).