Ballet is that rare combination of athleticism and artistry, blending great physical discipline with soulful self-expression. Last weekend, Les Jeunes Gouverneurs Des Grands Ballets hosted a classical ballet class at the Studio des Grands Ballets in Montreal, inviting their guests to enter, for a brief moment, the realm of the professional dancer. Les Jeunes Gouverneurs, a committee of professionals who are passionate about dance, work to bring the public closer to the Grands Ballets, and each other. The fundraising event was an opportunity for guests to learn the basics of classical dance from First Soloist of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Valentine Legat.

The morning began with a gentle introductory yoga session from a Lolë brand ambassador who guided the assembled dance enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned dancers to novices of all ages, through a smooth practice intended to stretch out the muscles, and prepare guests for the dance class ahead. Lolë, a homegrown yoga and athletics wear company, as well as dedicated supporter of community engagement and active living, also generously donated a yoga mat and headband to each guest.

Following this, Legat guided guests through a beginners course, explaining the basic positions and movements. Legat, a soft-spoken, graceful Belgian dancer who joined the Grands Ballets company in 2010, taught a rigorous yet accessible lesson at the barre, followed by a centre practice of slightly more challenging, but equally fun, combinations.

The event ended with a lunch sponsored by Café Liégios and Oatbox, a local company featuring products made with organic Quebec-cultivated grain. Oatbox offers a breakfast subscription box for those who would like to discover their cereals. They are also a generous supporter of the Breakfast Club of Canada, a non-profit organization devoted to providing breakfast to school age children across the country. The lunch was a great opportunity for guests to mingle with committee members and Légat, while enjoying a healthy, post-workout lunch of yogurt and granola.

Les Jeunes Gouverneurs will continue their commitment of bringing ballet and the love of dance into the the community with future events, such as the Swan Lake Networking Cocktail on February 26, as well as 2017 Soirée des Jeunes Gouverneurs, the committee’s annual benefit event, held on April 1.