Orlesian Classical Dance

# Le Danse Classique

Throughout Thedas many types of dance can be found. As has been noted by some rather cynical minds "Any savage can dance", yet the type of dance called "classical" is that which has more than just cultural meaning, it has political nuance, entertainment value for the masses (or perhaps just the wealthy?), and influence beyond where it was first conceived. The origins of the classical form of dance known as "ballet" lay in Orlais, but the dance has spread to many parts of Thedas, including Nevarra, Antiva and the far reaches of the Tevinter Imperium. There are schools and companies in various parts the world, but the arguably the best and richest in talent are those in the Mother Country of Orlais.

## Heart of Danse - Orlais

Val Royeaux is the centre of theatre and within it all kinds of creative endeavours have evolved. This includes that of ballet, but one must not assume that the capital is the only place to find good shows and dancers. Most schools tour during the summer and there are many companies that travel from city to city with some of the best dancers to have ever trodden the theatre's boards.

## Schools of Dance

Most schools and companies are named after their founders, but some are named after their patrons (such as the Royal School of Ballet). All schools divide their dancers into at least three grades. The most common names for the two higher grades are principal and soloist, and the junior dancers from the corps de ballet. Some companies and schools have trainees or apprentices, who rank below the corps de ballet, and may be unpaid. The top female dancer was often recognised as the prima ballerina. Male and female dancers were historically split into separate hierarchies.

### Selection and Training

Behind each performer seen on an Orlesian stage--every dancer, singer, musician, or actor--there is years of hard work and disciplined training. Among the all, those who call dance their profession must survive was is arguably the most selective and strenuous education in the field of the performing arts.

Each school has exceedingly high standards for technique, musicality, and body type. More often than not, one must be invited simply to audition, and if a dancer manages to make it an audition without first being invited, it's often a sign that there was an exchange of money or favors. Most newly admitted dancers are children under the age of twelve with no prior dance experience. Among them, there is a mix of class and socioeconomic status. Typical, the students who will go on to pursue a career in dance are middle and lower class, while the wealthier students see enrollment more of a status symbol. More females are enrolled than male, and sometimes elves are enrolled as well as humans. Despite the prejudice toward the race, no one has been able to deny that many elves have the body type that the school values.

Training is intense and competition within the schools and between schools is fierce. Promising potential students are often fought over and bribes are a common tactic in securing both new students and established dancers.

Even after years of strenuous training, a successful career is not guaranteed. Graduates do stand a good chance of finding employment in a dance company, even if it's not one of the prestigious ones in Val Royeaux. However, even extremely talented dancers have little chance of dancing as a soloist. When considering a group of very competitive and technically flawless dancers, politics and personal connections can be a strong influence.

It is not uncommon for the most prestigious dancers to set up their own schools and company's. Each school has it's own company but not all companies have school.

### École Royale de Ballet Classique

The Royal School of Dance (formally "L'École de Danse de Val Royeaux") is located in the capital of Orlais and was founded in 8:15 Blessed by Adeline Duval - who was rumoured to be a mistress of an Emperor or Empress who funded the school in its early years). Adeline was a servant turned bard, trained privately in dance by tutors hired by her patron. After a severe injury ended her career, Adeline founded the school with the help of an investment made by her old patron. Her portrait still hangs in the school's entrance hall, and her family makes up much of the staff. It is neither the oldest nor the most prestigious school and is rumoured to be bankrupt.

### Montessu Academie

Jader is surprisingly a hub for the performing arts, the harbour city has the influence of both Orlais and Ferelden and because of this a unique style has developed. The Julianna Theatre is the base of the Montessu Academie and is sponsored by every single Jader Comte.

### L'École de Lafontaine

The most prestigious school in Val Royeaux and probably Orlais is that of Lafontaine. Every generation they create a prima and master soloist, though there is a lot of debate on whether they "create" them or poach them. The influence of the school and their connections to Elcoe cannot be denied though.

## Dance Companies

The head of a ballet company is called the artistic director. He or she is usually a retired dancer, and often he choreographs some of the company's productions himself. In a large company he will have one or more assistants. Day to day coaching of the dancers is the responsibility of one or more ballet masters and ballet mistresses. Some companies also employ répétiteurs and dance notators. There is often a resident choreographer.

Many companies have a music director, generally a conductor by profession, though this is often a part-time position. The music director has a lower status in ballet than he has in opera, where he is the head of the company. Freelance conductors are hired to conduct specific productions as and when required. Large companies have their own orchestra, which is often shared with an opera company resident in the same theatre or opera house. Smaller companies hire a local orchestra on a contract basis for each season of performances, or hire a scratch orchestra for specific performances, e.g. when they are on tour. During company classes and rehearsals music is provided by one or more staff or freelance pianists.

All but the smallest companies have a separate administrative staff that deals with marketing, accounts, personnel issues, logistics and so on. Larger companies employ a permanent staff of craftsmen and craftswomen such as prop makers and costume makers, and technical staff such as lighting technicians and stage managers. Smaller companies hire freelancers for these roles as and when required. Some companies also have physiotherapists, masseurs, and physical trainers on the staff.

### Ballet de Guérin

This is a small travelling company that focuses mostly on north and eastern Orlais. Currently owned by Ulrich Gueirin.

### Ballet de Souret

This company is larger than most school and is based at the Rose d'or Théâtre in Arlesans. Owned by a group of merchants.

### Ballet de Sauveterre

Small company in Monsimmard that was created in late 951 by the most popular dancer of the last ten years. Lothaire de Sauveterre is not retired and is vaunted as Orlais' best dancer of this Dragon Age.