The handover took place at the beginning of September. Jérôme Chrétien succeeded Jean-Paul Alimi, to take over the direction of the Saint-Laurent-du-Var Conservatory (Nice-Morning from Saturday September 7). Encounter.
What is your background?
My mother had four boys. She always wanted to have a child who danced so she directed me towards this specialty. [rires]. I entered the Paris Conservatory as a little rat but the deal was that I also studied piano. So I had two specialties: dance and Music. Later, I followed Rudolf Noreev to England, a great Russian dancer who impressed me. Then I danced in numerous companies all over Europe. At 34, professional accident: I had to stop my career. I became a dance class accompanist. Friends who are directors of conservatories suggested that I give it a try. I have managed establishments in Poitiers, Lille, Avignon…
Why Saint-Laurent-du-Var?
I was born in Toulon and lived a large part of my life in Nice. So I wanted to get closer to the South, that’s where my heart is. I am like Ulysses who returns after a great journey [rires]I wanted to live with my people, the rest of my age. And I know Jean-Paul Alimi well, we are friends, I am very happy to ensure his continuity.
This conservatory is a smaller structure than your previous experiences…
Certainly, but I think it will allow me to go faster in carrying out projects. There will be less inertia. It's a smaller team with fewer students but there is an incredible talent pool, there are a lot of things to do. I really want to carry out new projects, to reach out to residents.
That's to say?
It is a municipal conservatory in the heart of the city, there is a proximity on which I would like to work even more. Let everyone take ownership of this tool, let people understand that this place is open to everyone, regardless of age. The teaching and administrative teams created a welcoming, family atmosphere. This desecrates the “Conservatory” side, which can sometimes be impressive.
How to work on this proximity?
By creating parent-child workshops. From 4 years old, I wish we could do that. When we set it up in Avignon, it was a great success. The conservatory is no longer just a place where you drop off your child, and this reinforces motivation in learning. We also created the family concertduring which a parent, if they know how to play an instrument, comes to accompany their child on stage. In Poitiers, we launched I will go play at your house. Conservatory concerts in people's lifestyles. I would also like to launch this in Saint-Laurent. Break the barrier. Music, without division. I would also like to work on the link with schools, to implement artistic teaching in schools. Music, dance and theater. This is essential.
Are you going to give a special place to dance?
I would like to develop dance, even if it doesn't become a specialty in its own right. (1). We need to raise awareness about the use of our bodies in music. Musicians tend to forget to use their body, even though it is a stage instrument. They sometimes have difficulty getting to grips with the stage, and they put themselves in postures that are not ergonomically appropriate, to favor the sound of their instrument. They might as well play and preserve themselves.
Are you going to call on teachers for this?
Yes. I saw that next to the Georges-Brassens theater, there was the dance house. It is a possibility to ask for access to the studio. With, for example, a contemporary dance, Pilates, Feldenkrais teacher (2)and Gyrotonic (3).
Another area that you would like to develop?
We would like to obtain the “Conservatory with municipal influence” label. There is no additional cost for the community, it is a real recognition for teachers and students, which could also lead to additional subsidies.
1. The Saint-Laurent-du-Var conservatory specializes in music and theater.
2. The Feldenkrais method allows you to tame your gestures and posture, with gentle, comfortable and anatomically coherent movements, promoting listening to sensations.
3. The Gyrotonic method uses involves three-dimensional movements synchronized to a specific breath.
