Repetto : press release : ballet slipper school
Normally I don’t publish posts about the press releases I get in my email inbox; this is because I want my blog to reflect my vision and my discoveries of Paris. But this one, I felt compelled to communicate on this platform because it speaks to me in so many ways that I felt it was more than appropriate. So much so that I took the liberty of translating it into English. For one thing, it’s about a French company that I love : Repetto. And this company works within an art form that I also love (and used to do) : Dance. And thirdly, it is concerning a place to learn how to make things, with your hands, and THAT speaks volumes to me. I am fond of detailed work done with human hands and not just machines, especially with the French savoir-faire for great quality. (I secretly wish I could make shoes myself). So without further ado… straight from Repetto :
Repetto will be inaugurating it’s own artisan school on January 20th, 2012 in Coulaures.
Friday, 20 January 2012
15h00
At the Lycée professionnel des Métiers du Bâtiment Chardeuil
24420 Coulaures
The objective of the school – one that is unique in France, is to train their entire staff for their own workshops as well as the first 150 new artisans that they will be hiring, in leather work, in order to be able to meet the demands of their rising activity. At the end of the 6 month training, those who are able to create a ballet slipper that is “sewn and turned” in it’s entirety and according the the unique Repetto savoir-faire, will integrate the Repetto factory.
Housed in Chardeuil for the duration of the construction*, this training has been open since November 2011. It is given by the Repetto Genuine Craftsmen who have gained a lengthy experience and great dexterity in the techniques of fabrication as well as members of the CTC (Centre Technique de la Chaussure).
Repetto is hoping to begin by training 150 people in 4 years.
*At the end of construction, estimated for September 2012, the school’s training will take place at the St-Médard Repetto factory.
The State, the region Aquitaine and the department of Dordogne, are proud to associate support this event.
I’m glad to hear they tend to keep the manual manufacturing of ballet shoes alive! One thing I love about ballet is that it’s such an old dance that still uses the music, movements, and costume styles as when it was first invented. And the shoes are special – especially the POINTE SHOES! Every little girls dream…Until you actually starts dancing in them… 😉 I used to be a dancer too, until I had to stop because I broke myself seven years ago. I would do anything to be able to fly through the air in a grand jeté again! xo
Miss Meadows, I have the same dilema as you, and the same wish. But I can still do pirouettes and pliés so all is not lost! 🙂
Kim,
This is one of the best blog posts I’ve ever read. I like:
– your disclaimer
– the fact that you’re translating a press release
– repetto altogether (I used to dance at Joffrey, both as a child & then in my late 20s & early 30s)
– the idea of making shoes & using hands
– that you lifted their photos.
Thank you lots,
Daisy
Thanks Daisy! I didn’t have to lift the photos thankfully! They sent those in the pres release for the purpose of publishing. 🙂
I love the Joffrey balley!!!! I saw them once perform in Boston at the Wang center, an entire show choreographed to music by Prince. It was stunning!
Oh and my name is Melissa! 😉
Bises!!!
Hello,
I’m awfully sorry, I mistakenly read your blog & thought you were someone I knew.
Sheepishly,
Daisy
(I still find your repetto post absolutely adorable)
Daisy dear, we have met!!! At Kasia’s first bag workshop 😉 But my name still remains “Melissa” 😉 Heehee!
That sounds great! I want to join in!!