NEW MODELS is a series of portraits and interviews of people and initiatives shaping tomorrow’s world. Fashion, food, design… How can we produce differently? Who is shaking things up and why?
Today, we meet Valentine Colasante, a prima ballerina based in Paris. We talk about dance, of course, but also creativity and rigour. Interview.
Follow Valentine on Instagram @valentine_colasante
Photos: Pierre-Yves de Guio, @py.deguio on Instagram
In the photos, Valentine is wearing the DADOULOVE coat in greige, the OMOBAY jumper in ballerina and the TINEBOROW jeans in ecru.
Your love story with dance started at a very young age!
Yes, from age 4, when my parents signed me up for preschool dance classes. Then, it just became my natural scene. I danced because that’s what I loved. I joined a dance school when I was 8 and stayed until I was 17. It was pure pleasure until I turned 11 or 12. At that point, the body changes and competition sets in.
Your mother is a dancer and your father is a jazz musician. How did this influence your career?
My parents never pushed me. In fact, my brother and my sister are not in artistic fields. But, for me, dance was an obvious choice. It allowed me to let off steam. When I danced, I felt good.
What is your relationship to clothing?
For rehearsals, I can wear what I want. The most important thing is comfort, not style. Apart from that, I like clothing. I want to make my clothes dance. That’s why I particularly like American Vintage, because the clothing adapts to movement.
How do you envision your life after your career as a prima ballerina?
It’s kind of a blur and pretty stressful for someone like me, because I always knew what I wanted to do with my life. I started studying again so I can work in a cultural field. I’m already starting to think about my next career. I’m planning for this leap of faith, because I think that it’s essential to have several different skills to fall back on.
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.