Olivier Chanut class of 2024

I am delighted and honored that the students in this graduating class asked me to be their mentor. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them over the past three years.

They were receptive to the advice and guidance I gave them. Curious and attentive, they approached their studies with maturity, always ready to understand and integrate my instructions in order to progress and engage in sensitive physical work.

I have been teaching in the dance department at PSPBB since its creation in 2011. I have been able to observe the incredible progress made by the students in each class in the studio, of course, but especially on stage during their three years of training.

It is wonderful to see how a group, after a few stumbles, manages to come together to become, at the end of their training, a close-knit and homogeneous group of accomplished dancers, capable of adapting to all the styles of a contemporary choreographer. For my part, every time I see them on stage, they make me want to choreograph for them. For me, this is proof.

They must be convinced that they are ready and fully qualified to audition.

I would now like to address them directly: I would like to tell you that this training has not only given you the legitimacy to be interpreters, but it has also given you the tools to become ambassadors and creators of jazz dance. It is now up to you to develop it. Professional life being what it is, if at certain times work is not coming your way, you must not wait for it, you must create it. Believe in your talent, you have the ability to defend your projects and to convince others. Jazz dance is not just for the stage. Dance is architecture in motion, so make it move, make it travel. So, bon voyage to you all; I wish you wonderful careers, and of course, if I can continue to help you, you can count on me. Surprise yourselves! Surprise us!"

Olivier Chanut