Paris ballet's 'little rats' stay focused as world spinsIt has been a tough year for the "little rats", as Paris Opera ballet students are affectionately knownPARIS - The world might feel like it is falling apart but that is no excuse for slacking at the Paris Opera Ballet School. With the coronavirus pandemic following a marathon strike at the Paris Opera, it has been a tough year for the "little rats", as the students are affectionately known. - 'Little rats' to big stars -"I quickly realised that we were at risk of sacrificing a generation," said the school's director Elisabeth Platel, guardian of the French style of classical dance. The "little rats" were able to restart classes in June after France's two-month lockdown, but 20 of the multinational group were unable to return -- blocked in homes from Canada to Australia by travel bans or quarantines. It's another lesson the former star wants to teach the next generation: the little rats are learning "just how fragile our profession is", she said.

Source: Bangkok Post July 31, 2020 07:07 UTC