Joyeux Noël de Lille!

Bonjour! C'est Aurélie!
I, unfortunately, didn't get to spend the holidays in the US with Sabine like I had originally wanted do. Instead, I had a quiet Christmas with my family. We ate brioche and fruit for breakfast, and then we opened presents. After we opened gifts, we went to my grandparents' house. I did have a great time with my relatives, though, but I've never been to the USA. I really wanted to go.

Anyway, here I am by my personal tree. They were out of pink ones, so I bought the same tree as Sandrine.

I first opened a heavy package. Inside, I found the prettiest wall hanging. It is absolutely perfect for me; I can't wait to find a place for it on my bedroom walls!

I then pulled of the tissue paper out of the other bag to reveal a pretty, deep purple dress with ruffles down the front. I love the color, and I can't wait to wear it when the weather gets warmer.

My last and final present was a pair of brand-new Repetto ballet slippers...or as we call them in French, demi-pointes. My current ones were looking just a little bit worn and beat up, so I was glad to receive a new pair. I absolutely love Repetto anything, by the way. If you have the chance to visit their main store in Paris, do it!

My parents then told me to take the slippers out of the box because there was something else in there. I found a completed application to l'école de danse de l'Opéra National de Paris's summer intensive!

Summer 2013 will mark the school's first ever summer dance intensive, and my parents want me to audition! It is rather expensive, especially since I'd have to be a boarder, and that's why I didn't receive many Christmas gifts. If I don't make it, my mom said she'll take me shopping. I really hope that I make it, though. I've attended so many summer intensives, but this is one that I really want! 

I sometimes wish that I could audition for the actual dance school, but I don't live in Paris or Nanterre (where the school is)...and I don't want to be a boarder. Plus, you can't even audition for the school over the age of 13 unless you have won a major ballet competition! I dance at two places: the Ballet du Nord's school and at the Conservatoire de Lille. The school I go to allows me to take special ballet and music courses at the Conservatoire. It's really great. I will be able to earn a special arts certificate once I graduate from lycée. I love the fun, bright magenta leotards that we get to wear. At the Ballet du Nord's school, we have to stick to basic black leotards. 

I feel awful complaining. I'm very thankful for the opportunities that I have in Lille, but I just feel like there is just so much better out there. I know that there will always be people who are better than me, but I just feel like some people have more of an advantage to become a great dancer or great flautist. 

I hope that those who celebrate Christmas had a great one. I don't like venting on Christmas...especially about things that aren't even true problems. Have you ever felt how I feel, though?

On a happier note, what did you get for Christmas? What was your favorite present?

~Aurélie

3 comments

Inky said...

Happy Christmas Aurelie! (I'm on the laptop and can't figure out accents!)

I don't celebrate Christmas usually, but since my friend Violet is here, we opened some small gifts today. We'll do our big celebration on New Year's Eve!

I'm sorry about your feelings about dance. Would your parents let you do a big competition like the Prix de Lausanne or Youth American Grand Prix? You're right, they're one of the few routes to an elite school after a certain age. Don't give up though!!!

My friend Coral won a scholarship to the JKO School at YAGP and she was able to transfer to SAB after being in NYC for a year. Have you ever thought of attending an American school or the Royal? I know the Bolshoi has a great program for foreigners. I know you'll become a great dancer!!

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. Keep dancing!

Love,
Inky

Saoirse said...

Dia duit, Aurélie!

Merry Christmas! I'm sorry you didn't get to have Christmas in the states with Sabine, but it looks like you had a nice Christmas anyways.

I love the purple dress you got! It's so pretty! Hopefully you'll be able to go to a big competition sometime before the summer. It would be great if you could go somewhere that opened up more opportunities.

~ Saoirse

Kiki's Korner said...

I am younger and was very excited to get a new bicycle for Christmas. I am sorry to hear about the dance issues and hope things can work out somehow. You look so pretty by the tree!

Hugs,
Kiki