Off Pointe

The First Class

On Point

And so it begins...

By Rena Rouge

Classes all over the world are starting back today, from the smallest studios to the largest companies, summer break is well and truly over and it's time to face the music and dance.

Plagg Fu (38) has once again taken on the mentor role for the dancers within the Agreste School of Ballet. Those who are involved with the world of ballet will know just how famed and idolised Plagg is to the younger generations of dancers. He has been labelled as 'one of the greats' and, truly, it's no surprise he has stayed with the company when the younger Agreste is about to make his epic comeback.

Over the years, Plagg has been known for his heated comments and ferocious head to heads with Gabriel Agreste (50). Which has only fuelled rumours about an impending departure from the school.

Plagg has often spoken about the lack of freedom within the company, once or twice being caught as saying it is 'old fashioned in its training' and that it needs a 'breath of fresh air'. With so many new companies popping up all over France, it does seem Master Agreste needs to look at the company as a whole and see if there's any way to expand — maybe with that of his son.

Adrien Agreste (22) has yet to comment or post anything on social media about his return to dance, even after years of being very proactive about his commitment and adoration of the art. We're hoping once the young dancer is back into the swing of things he'll be posting once again and showing the world his undeniable talent and showmanship.

In other news, Lila Rossi (20) has recently revealed her new sponsorship with 'Bloch' dancewear, having such a well known company taking interest in the younger dancer can only mean a vibrant future is on the way. Our bets are now placed that Rossi will be partnering Agreste for the famous Pas de Deux at the Christmas Gala.

We're all hanging onto the edge of our seats as we wait for not only the announcement of what the company will be showcasing this year, but also who will be in the main Corps de ballet and taking on the Principle roles.

*****

Adrien stood at the back of the studio, he didn't want to be in the midst of the newcomers, and he definitely didn't want to be near any of the company principals. Chloé had already attempted to make conversation with him a couple of times, most likely wanting to try and grab him for the pas de deux, however, all he wanted was to get through today without having to worry about doing too much... or too little.

If the word got back to his father that he wasn't putting the effort in during class, he was quite sure 'the mighty' Gabriel Agreste would be straight down in the studio, giving him ultimatum after ultimatum, before telling him it's his way or no way.

He lounged back against the studio wall, looking around the studio. The newbies were enthusiastically stretching and warming up, the current company members stood around talking, and if he wasn't mistaken, they would be ranking the fresh meat. Singling out the weak and preparing to sabotage the strong. He knew the way it worked, and he was ashamed to say he was one of the judgmental ones in the past... that was until he realised there was more than just being the top dog in the studio — life changing events did that to you.

Lila caught his eye. The companies registered 'Mean Girl'. She was talking to another, one new to the company last year, and one who was taken straight under her wing. They were pointing slightly and laughing, it was obvious their target had been chosen.

Adrien followed their line of sight, attempting to catch who it was they were choosing as their new victim for the next year. Lila was always successful at getting her biggest competition out of the door, or breaking the weakest into submission – never to dance again. She was manipulative, and you were destroyed before you realised what was happening. Everyone saw Lila as the innocent Princess, and she acted the part perfectly too. The less you said to Lila, and the less you trusted her the better.