The beginning of the future dancers' school year is an intense experience as it crystallises their early commitment to adult life. How do the younger pupils (9 to 12 years) experience it, and how do the older pupils (15 to 18 years) prepare for it?On what inner strengths and convictions do the pupils base their decisions? What forms do their desires take? What do they draw on, and with what tools do they equip themselves, to deal with being far from their families? And how do they stay in contact with them? (there is a Korean pupil, a Chinese pupil, Italian pupils, pupils from the French provinces and they all use Skype) How do the teachers introduce the pupils to the new school year? What memories do the teachers have of their own new school years, and what do they bear in mind when addressing their new pupils? Behind the vast array of preparatory activities for the beginning of the school year, the extent of expectations at the school becomes implicit.This first film will recount the "climbing on board", influenced here and there by the memories of new school years experienced 30 years earlier by those accompanying the pupils as they join the dance. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

017 Graines d'étoiles saison 1 épisode 1

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 1

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 1 : La rentrée (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 1: The New School Year

The beginning of the future dancers' school year is an intense experience as it crystallises their early commitment to adult life. How do the younger pupils (9 to 12 years) experience it, and how do the older pupils (15 to 18 years) prepare for it? O

Episode 1 - The New School Year

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 1

As the daily practice of hard work is becoming part of life at the school, with the pupils rehearsing the same movements over and over again to gain suppleness, another practice is underway: finding the personalities of the pupils.The younger ones are introduced to expression work via three subjects: mime, corporal expression and folklore. For the older pupils, this work continues with "character dance".This second film will track the quest for movement and what it expresses, in the search for the creative resources each dancer possesses.How do the pupils gradually gain the autonomy they need to make their dream come true? We can measure how far they have come by looking at how the older pupils' behaviour differs from that of the younger pupils. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

007 Graines d'étoiles saison 1 épisode 2

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 2

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 2 : Au travail (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 2: To work

As the daily practice of hard work is becoming part of life at the school, with the pupils rehearsing the same movements over and over again to gain suppleness, another practice is underway: finding the personalities of the pupils. The younger ones a

Episode 2 - To work

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 2

The dance school requires the pupils to have a good level in subjects right across the board, whether in dance, maths or French. Dance classes take part in the afternoons and mornings are set aside for schooling. The pupils follow a general curriculum that will take them through to the Baccalaureate, in which the school can be proud of its 100% pass rate.The timetable also includes other activities, such as visits to the school nurse and physiotherapist, learning about nutrition, and receiving support from the school head.The pupils seek comfort, help and care from these resource workers. This chapter will look at what we can learn about the birth of a dancer, via the interwoven perspectives of those who accompany them and via small events or incidents that are part of the school year.  A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

015 Graines d'étoiles saison 1

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 3

danseurs comedie music copie

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 3 : Les progrès (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 3: Progress

The dance school requires the pupils to have a good level in subjects right across the board, whether in dance, maths or French. Dance classes take part in the afternoons and mornings are set aside for schooling. The pupils follow a general curriculu

Episode 3 - Progress

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 3

Two events, in association with the Opéra de Paris, mark life at the dance school. The first, the "Dance School Demonstrations" takes place in December. In these demonstrations, dance lessons are given exactly as they take place at the school, except these are in public and on stage at the Palais Garnier.The event, which includes three performances, is highly popular among a "specialist" audience of dance professionals and pupils from many dance courses. It is also a highlight for the pupils' families. This makes it an all-important event in the life of the school, as it opens up its cocoon for a day.The younger pupils will take their maiden steps on a stage steeped in legend. For the older pupils, it is the opportunity to become familiar with the feeling of being evaluated and being compared to each other. They experience both the pleasure and pride of being part of a family as well as the desire to stand out from that family. These are the basics of working within a corps de ballet.  A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

011 Graines d'étoiles saison 1 épisode 4

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 4

4 danseuses justo rose

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 4 : Un monde à part (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 4: A World Apart

Two events, in association with the Opéra de Paris, mark life at the dance school. The first, the "Dance School Demonstrations" takes place in December. In these demonstrations, dance lessons are given exactly as they take place at the school, except

Episode 4 - A World Apart

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 4

Violette Verdy, the French ballerina and one of the most famous dancers at the New York City Ballet run by George Balanchine, will lead the pupils of the school's 2nd and 3rd division this year, as they dance to a piece by Johannes Brahms, Variations on a Theme of Paganini. Verdy created the original choreography for the piece while she was director of dance at the Opera de Paris.This film provides the opportunity to look into what differentiates the genres in the classical approach to dance, via the technical performances that are expected of the girls and boys. The online availability of numerous extracts of choreographies, interviews with dancers, and ballet recordings modifies the expectations of the trainee dancers. Whilst providing them with all sorts of technical and artistic information, the variety of issues this material raises strengthens the special relationship between master and pupil.Violette Verdy's choreography, which will feature in the school's end-of-year performance, will be danced at the Palais Garnier in April, and will constitute a highpoint in the life of the young dancers. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

006 Graines d'étoiles saison 1 - épisode 5

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 5

BUDDING STARS

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 5 : En scène (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 5: On stage

Violette Verdy, the French ballerina and one of the most famous dancers at the New York City Ballet run by George Balanchine, will lead the pupils of the school's 2nd and 3rd division this year, as they dance to a piece by Johannes Brahms, Variations

Episode 5 - On stage

The pupils of the 1st division will spend their last year at the school before the final exam that will determine their entry into professional life. By now, they have acquired a maturity and a way of thinking that should have made artists of them.This sixth chapter will also come full circle by critically highlighting the questions and professions of faith revealed by the pupils six years their junior, in the first film. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2012

004 Graines d'étoiles saison 1 épisode 6

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 1 - ép. 6

2 DANSEUSES

Graines d'étoiles, saison 1 - Épisode 6 : Le temps des épreuves (FR)

Budding stars, season 1 - Episode 6: Exam time

The pupils of the 1st division will spend their last year at the school before the final exam that will determine their entry into professional life. By now, they have acquired a maturity and a way of thinking that should have made artists of them.  

Episode 6 - Exam time

Budding stars, season 1 - ep. 6

The rehearsals of one of the greatest classical ballets of all times – Swan Lake – with choreography by Rudolf Nureyev are starting. Before even thinking about dancing solo, young dancers need to merge into a broader movement moving in the same breath. Most of them are only substitutes for now. We will reconnect with Roxane, Alice, Julien, Chun Wing, Ida, Eugénie, Margherita and Alexandre… All of whom will recall their journey and their transformations since their entry into the ballet corps – as well as their reflections upon the universe of classical dancing.They question the image of women in Swan Lake. This image of desirable naivety and her submission to men's desire are unambiguous. Broad-shouldered, protective men and supple, slender women complete this picture of 19th century gender roles... This ballet remains a staple for all who start in classical dance, like Chun Wing who – as a child in Hong-Kong – used to have all the DVD versions that his father could find. His family is seeing him for the first time on the Palais Garnier stage. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 1 :  Danser classique

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.1 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 1 : Danser classique

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 1: Classical Dancing

The rehearsals of one of the greatest classical ballets of all times – Swan Lake – with choreography by Rudolf Nureyev are starting. Before even thinking about dancing solo, young dancers need to merge into a broader movement moving in the same breat

Episode 1 - Classical Dancing

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 1

Antonio, Marion, Pablo, Simon, Héloïse and Clémence prepare a performance played alternatively and including three choreographies by Jiří Kylián. Here the hierarchy of classical ballet does not matter; guest choreographers pick the dancers who play the soloist parts. Thus Antonio will work alongside prima ballerina Dorothée Gilbert in Tar and Feathers while Pablo and Simon will shine together in Bella Figura and Symphony of Psalms.Another relationship with dance is revealing itself. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

02 LIBERTE - Graines d Etoiles saison 2 episode 2

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 2 : La liberté d'être soi

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.2 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 2 : La liberté d'être soi

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 2: The Freedom of Being Oneself

Antonio, Marion, Pablo, Simon, Héloïse and Clémence prepare a performance played alternatively and including three choreographies by Jiří Kylián. Here the hierarchy of classical ballet does not matter; guest choreographers pick the dancers who play t

Episode 2 - The Freedom of Being Oneself

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 2

For those who enter the Paris Opera's ballet corps, competition continues within the company. If they do not need to run after seasonal contracts anymore, all dancers aspire to be in the spotlight. The internal competitions for promotion offers them that chance every year.The entry rank is the Quadrille, they are often substitutes. To guarantee yourself a spot on the stage you need to reach the rank of Coryphée. Sujets, Premiers Danseurs and Étoiles – the highest ranks – will then share the demi-soloist and soloist parts.The candidates present two variations: one is compulsory and the other is free – which will enable them to showcase their strengths, their personality and to attract a professional jury's attention: dancers, professors, choreographers...Alice, Antonio, Roxane, Pablo, Julien, Ida, Marion and Chun Wing are applying this year. During the months of preparation before the exam stress, excitement and exhaustion are peaking. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

0301_ANTONIO_ALICE_TOIT_OPERA_Graines detoiles©Schuch_Productions

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 3 :  Le chemin des étoiles (FR)

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.3 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 3 : Le chemin des étoiles

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 3: The Path of the Stars

For those who enter the Paris Opera's ballet corps, competition continues within the company. If they do not need to run after seasonal contracts anymore, all dancers aspire to be in the spotlight. The internal competitions for promotion offers them 

Episode 3 - The Path to the Stars

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 3

Aurélien, Milo, Jack and Luna are rehearsing the ballet Raymonda that will be running during the dance school's annual show at the Opéra Garnier. They are almost 17. This year will also see the Gala des Ecoles being held – which will be attended by students from foreign dance schools. It will be a great occasion to compare techniques and teachings as well as talk about the future – the commitments and possibilities offered abroad.Estéban, Tommaso and Balthazar are from the Opéra's dance school; they have been admitted to the San Francisco Ballet School. The Anhaltische Theater of Dessau's company (former East-Germany) is now comprised of eight dancers. Marin is cumulating the soloist roles, like this time in The Miraculous Mandarin. In Paris, Marin meets up with Simon – who works at the Opéra – they have the same job but one has a fixed-term contract and the other has a permanent one. One word that makes their lives radically different. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

0405_JACK_1_©Schuch_Productions

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 4 : L'envol

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.4 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 4 : L'envol

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 4: The Flight

Aurélien, Milo, Jack and Luna are rehearsing the ballet Raymonda that will be running during the dance school's annual show at the Opéra Garnier. They are almost 17.  This year will also see the Gala des Ecoles being held – which will be attended by 

Episode 4 - Taking Off

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 4

With the end of the year comes the entry exam for the Paris Opera's corps de ballet. Four boys were admitted. Milo, Jack, Samuel and Alexandre are thrilled and overwhelmed. For the others, the Paris Opera Ballet School was an unforgettable experience that led them down another path. Summertime is festival time – Antonio dances in Ravello with prima ballerina Marie Agnès Gillot and the Italians of the Paris Opera on one of the most beautiful open air stages in the world. Thirty kilometers from here is the village where he grew up – perched on a mountain and watching ballet videos... A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

05 DASNER SA VIE - Graines d'Étoiles saison 2 épisode 5

Graines d'Étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 5 : Danser sa vie 

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 ép.5 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 2 - Épisode 5 : Danser sa vie

Budding stars, season 2 - Episode 5: Dancing One's Life

With the end of the year comes the entry exam for the Paris Opera's corps de ballet. Four boys were admitted. Milo, Jack, Samuel and Alexandre are thrilled and overwhelmed. For the others, the Paris Opera Ballet School was an unforgettable experience

Episode 5 - Dancing Their Lives

Budding stars, season 2 - ep. 5

Their dream: to become a “danseur Étoile” one day. Today, those students we followed in the series, are now approaching their 25th birthday and will enter the prime of their careers.Ten years ago, the Paris Ballet Opera School began filming the series Budding Stars. Five years ago, a second season focuses on the future of these young dancers.The third opus continues the story of a group of dancers who grew up together since dance school, singular and representative enough for each spectator to find themselves in the questionings and emotions they go through.Dancers who embody an aspiration that animates all of us throughout our existence : to give meaning to our lives. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 ép.1 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 - Épisode 1 : Les années de maturité 1/3 (FR)

Budding stars, season 3 - Episode 1: Coming of age 1/3

Their dream: to become a “danseur Étoile” one day. Today, those students we followed in the series, are now approaching their 25th birthday and will enter the prime of their careers. Ten years ago, the Paris Ballet Opera School began filming the seri

Episode 1 - Coming of age (1/3)

Budding stars, season 3 - ep. 1

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 ép.2 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 - Épisode 2 : Les années de maturité 2/3 (FR)

Budding stars, season 3 - Episode 2: Coming of age 2/3

Episode 2 - Coming of age 2/3

Budding stars, season 3 - ep. 2

Their dream: to become a “danseur Étoile” one day. Today, those students we followed in the series, are now approaching their 25th birthday and will enter the prime of their careers.Ten years ago, the Paris Ballet Opera School began filming the series Budding Stars. Five years ago, a second season focuses on the future of these young dancers.The third opus continues the story of a group of dancers who grew up together since dance school, singular and representative enough for each spectator to find themselves in the questionings and emotions they go through.Dancers who embody an aspiration that animates all of us throughout our existence : to give meaning to our lives. A coproduction ARTE France, SCHUCH Productions, the Paris Opera and NHK With the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée, the Région Île-de-France, the PROCIREP - Société des Producteurs and of the ANGOADirector: Françoise Marie © SCHUCH Productions – ARTE France – Opéra national de Paris – 2018

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 ép.3 - Trailer

Graines d'étoiles, saison 3 - Épisode 3 : Les années de maturité 3/3 (FR)

Budding stars, season 3 - Episode 3: Coming of age 3/3

Their dream: to become a “danseur Étoile” one day. Today, those students we followed in the series, are now approaching their 25th birthday and will enter the prime of their careers.  Ten years ago, the Paris Ballet Opera School began filming the ser

Episode 3 - Coming of age 3/3

Budding stars, season 3 - ep. 3

Watch here all the episodes of the documentary series Graines d'étoiles (Budding stars), which follows the lives of the students of the Ecole de Danse over ten years, from 2013 to 2023.

Watch here all the episodes of the documentary series Graines d'étoiles (Budding stars), which follows the lives of the students of the Ecole de Danse