Excellence in making !
by Alexandra I.Mas
We are uncovering more and more about the foundations and art patronage supported by Chanel. Historically, Mademoiselle Chanel herself cherished and fostered artistic talent. We traced the white camellia to Monaco, where Chanel unveiled its latest High Jewellery Sports collection. Yet, there was even more to discover.
In Monte-Carlo, a true gem stands out—the Princess Grace Academy of Dance. Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline, this institution ranks among the world’s premier ballet schools. Director Jean-Christophe Maillot explained how they travel the world searching for talent, bringing together future stars of classical dance. Such a grand endeavour requires devoted patrons and numerous events. Chanel is now sponsoring six exceptional students throughout their entire program until graduation.
This new partnership was celebrated with a spectacular performance at the Monte-Carlo Opera House’s Garnier Hall. The students mesmerized the audience, both in a Neo-Romantic piece and a contemporary ballet of rare strength, with their first stage appearance where technique and coordination showcased true excellence in the making.
British actress and CHANEL Ambassador Keira Knightley attended the performance of the Académie Princesse Grace, Ballets de Monte-Carlo school, at the Opéra and then, the High Jewelry collection « HAUTE JOAILLERIE SPORT » dinner. She wore the GRAPHIC LINE necklace in white gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphire, rubies and onyx, the SPORTY 5 earrings in white gold and diamonds, the GRAPHIC LINE ring in white gold, diamonds, red and black lacquer. CHANEL Haute Joaillerie. She wore a long dress in black and blue floral motif lace and sequined velvet, with a white silk tulle petticoat, and embellished with braids. Pink-beige bra-top, look 36, from the CHANEL Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2024 collection.
Founded in 1975 by Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, the Academy was established to create a premier dance school in Monaco, under the guidance of Marika Besobrasova. It enjoys an international reputation. Under the presidency of H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo now encompasses the Ballets de Monte-Carlo Company, the Monaco Dance Forum, and the Princess Grace Academy. Directed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, this organization combines the excellence of an international company, the diverse offerings of a multifaceted festival, and the high standards of the Academy to establish Monaco as a choreographic arts hub. This integration allows students to immerse themselves in the professional dance world, meet renowned artists, and be at the heart of major cultural events, thereby realizing their dreams.
The multidisciplinary education includes dance classes that uphold the quality of classical training while embracing contemporary influences, along with artistic instruction and academic courses tailored to the diverse nationalities of its students. To meet this great challenge, the Academy boasts a pedagogical team of internationally experienced professors and artists. Renowned for its teaching excellence, the Princess Grace Academy has partnered with prestigious institutions such as the Prix de Lausanne, where its students have shone. Within the Academy’s walls, students become not only accomplished dancers but also well-rounded, cultured, and curious individuals. We witnessed a short video presenting the latest graduated students already part of major ballet corps around the world, like the Royal Swedish Ballet.
