They were 15 in the semi-final of wonders broadcast on December 22 on France 2. Fifteen children and teenagers driven by the same passion for their art (dancing, singing or playing an instrument). Among them, Sacha, 12, was the prom queen. Crowned by Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Julie Fuchs and Gautier Capuçon, the three members of the jury, she becomes the second dancer to win the titleafter Melvin in 2015. For Tele-Leisureshe looks back on this evening of December 29 which will remain engraved in her memory.
“JI didn’t think it was going to be me at all“
Tele-Leisure: How did you feel when Faustine Bollaert, the hostpronounced your first name?
Sasha: I was in shock and on cloud nine. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. Even though the tears started to flow, I was very happy. I really understood when I left the show.
You were in the final against Matt (singer) and Sora (violinist). Did you have any idea of the identity of the winner?
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Absolutely not. It must be difficult to judge three such different arts. I don’t know how they chose and I didn’t think it was going to be me at all.
You are in contact with Marie-Claude Pietragalla?
She gave me her phone number and told me to call her if I had a question that I couldn’t ask everyone. She’s coming to Perpignan in March for a show: I’m going to have the honor of seeing her dance for real.
When Marie-Claude Pietragalla showered you with compliments during the semi-final, what did you have in mind?
I was very happy. I took it as a reward for all the work done with my teachers, especially Octavie Escure who accompanied me throughout the adventure.
Were you dreading the star dancer’s judgment?
Not really. She was super caring and even if she didn’t like it, I didn’t care, I was super happy to dance. It is a unique experience.
“I might not be a professional dancer”
Wasn’t it too difficult to keep the secret until the final?
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When I’m back [l’enregistrement de l’émission a eu lieu en septembre, NDLR]my girlfriends wanted to know, but “Motus and mouth shut”, I said nothing. It was complicated, but I held on.
In your portrait, you say you want to be a dancer or an airline pilot. Does this victory change your plans?
I haven’t decided yet, but to be a dancer, I should leave Perpignan. Being away from my family is complicated for me. I might not be a professional dancerbut I would continue diligently for my leisure.
Have you been approached to enter the school of the Paris Opera?
The YAGP contest is an American contest that has selections all over the world, including Paris for Europe. I went there. Among the members of the jury is Élisabeth Platel, director of the Paris Opera school. This year, I won a private audition to enter the Opera.
Have you already passed it?
No, especially since last year she had also offered it to me, but I had told her that I was not ready. She had offered me an internship so that I could see if I liked it. The course is less hard than the school, it is planned so that we take a lot of pleasure in dancing. It was great, but I struggled with boarding school because leaving my family is hard. That’s why I don’t think I’m going to this audition.
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Which represents wonders for you ?
It was a dream to participate in this contest. I’ve been watching the show for a long time.
“Faustine Bollaert really took us under her wing”
Who launched this idea of your participation in wonders?
Octavie, my teacher, sent me the Instagram post of wonders at the opening of the auditions. I sent in my application and was accepted. I was super happy.
How did you experience this passage in front of the cameras?
I dreaded it a bit, but the team surrounded us a lot and made us feel comfortable. After a while, I ended up forgetting that there were cameras. Furthermore, Faustine Bollaert really took us under her wing and helped us take our first steps in front of the cameras.
What was your goal in participating in wonders?
It’s a competition so we all leave with the desire to win, but my primary objective was to have fun. It was a unique experience to play with the orchestra and the corps de ballet. For my second variation, I was able to dance while the choirs sang behind me, I will never experience that again!
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“wondersit was like a summer camp!”
Have you made friends with the other candidates?
With everyone ! (laughs) It was like a summer camp. We have created a WhatsApp group where we give each other news. We chatted during the broadcast of the show.
Out of competition, your training represents how many hours per week?
About 10 hours. I am in a college in Perpignan which offers an adapted course. Two days a week I leave class at 3 p.m. to go to my school, Synopsis.
You have won a scholarship of 10,000 euros. What are you going to do with this amount?
Participate in courses, competitions and buy equipment (protections for the feet, spikes, etc.).
We have discovered your amazing solution to de-stress: do the plank. Why this technique?
It strengthens my abs. I know then that I will be straight and that I will dance well. It brings my stress down.
