Laura Dethier – Social impact program manager
Quel est votre parcours professionnel ?
Initialement, j'ai une formation en tant qu'infirmière en oncologie et soins palliatifs. Prendre soin des autres a toujours été au cœur de mes préoccupations, tant sur le plan personnel que professionnel. En accord avec cela, j'ai approfondi mes études en obtenant un diplôme de master (anciennement un baccalauréat) en santé publique et promotion de la santé, ainsi qu'en sexologie clinique.
After the birth of my children, I shifted towards management positions, more of an administrative nature than medical, still within a hospital. I also held various positions within the Cancer Foundation, eventually taking on the role of Operations Director.
These experiences have allowed me to acquire valuable skills in human resources and financial management, logistics, and essential computer skills, which are crucial in today's context.
These various positions gradually distanced me from the human aspect, which was at the core of my values. I wanted to take on a role that would emphasize collaboration and kindness, and above all, one that would be meaningful.
The position within Mosa Ballet School presented itself by chance and ultimately proved to be tailor-made.
What is your role within the team?
I am in charge of the Quand on Danse program. I define its strategy and brainstorm projects to implement. Initially, I managed this program alone, including its communication. Now, I am fortunate to be supported by two fantastic assistants, Jehanne and Clara.
I can fully dedicate myself to advancing the program. For this, it is necessary to establish partnerships, make contacts, and promote it. As an example, the development and implementation of the virtual services platform are currently the most significant initiatives.
I believe that every event has left a lasting impression on me. Each time, it's an emotional tsunami. Witnessing people dance together, regardless of their needs, abilities, or backgrounds, is breathtakingly beautiful every time. You see and feel joy, tranquility, and the happiness of being together. Dance truly has a magical quality!
Jehanne Thomas – Social Impact Program Assistant
What is your professional background?
With a background in history, my career has been diverse. I initially worked in various ministerial offices, primarily in communication and citizen services. Within these offices, I learned a lot, especially about teamwork and collaboration with partners from all walks of life. It truly taught me rigor. In 2019, I shifted towards another exciting sector: education. After almost five years of teaching in technical and vocational secondary institutions, I aspired to get involved in a different project, preferably one with cultural and local ties.
Why did you join the Quand on Danse program?
It is the values championed by this program that initially captivated me. Having worked with vulnerable and/or underprivileged audiences, I believe that excellence is not necessarily a matter of money, status, or simply physical abilities. I have encountered numerous students, sometimes in precarious environments, who could have emancipated themselves and developed their full potential if only they had access to a space to express it.
I advocate for a democratic vision, where everyone could engage in a discipline, whether it be dance or something else, regardless of their abilities and needs. Within the Mosa Ballet School, we genuinely aim to open up to society and convey that classical and contemporary ballet are not disciplines exclusively reserved for the elite.
What is your role within the team?
I primarily assist Laura in her daily tasks. I particularly focus on the communication aspect (updating the blog and social media, developing brochures, managing the website) and prepare working notes (grant applications, etc.). In a way, I pay written tribute to our projects and actions, reporting them to both authorities and the public. Of course, the tasks are diverse, and I would say the team is building and evaluating the project day by day. It's a beautiful endeavor, but one that has no end...
What has been the most memorable moment since you joined the team? Is there a project that is particularly close to your heart?
It was certainly the Camp Tournesol. Having been in my position for barely three days, I participated in this event, which is for children battling cancer. While there, we cannot overlook the daily reality these children face, but it's surprising to see how the dance and music workshops provided them with an opportunity to escape and, in a way, communicate some unspoken feelings. Alongside the reality of the illness, there is also life. That's also what we want to highlight.
Clara Habib – Social Impact Program Assistant
What is your professional background?
Dance has always held a prominent place in my life. Being a dancer myself, I professionally trained in performance and choreography after studying applied communication at IHECS. Concurrently, I worked as a Communications Officer for a non-profit organization advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities. After venturing into freelancing in Graphic Design and continuing my dance career, I felt the need to join a team, to work with colleagues for a common cause. Here I am now at Mosa, as a Societal Impact Program Assistant, alongside Jehanne and under the watchful and caring eye of Laura, our manager.
Why did you join the Quand on Danse program?
Joining the Quand on Danse team perfectly connects the three areas that have always driven me: dance, communication, and the accessibility of marginalized individuals in society. What could be better than working daily in the world of dance, wearing the hat of a communicator, all while serving multiple causes?
What is your role within the team?
With Quand on Danse, everything is in full swing with all our projects! That's why, with Jehanne, we support Laura in her daily tasks to ensure the smooth progress of our various activities.
On my part, I handle the management and coordination of dance workshops in nursing homes, training sessions for dance professionals in inclusive dance, and various events that mark the year, such as the folk dance ball or the international conference.
What has been the most memorable moment since you joined the team? Is there a project that is particularly close to your heart?
A week after joining Mosa, I participated in the inclusive and adapted dance training for dance teachers, led by Florent Deveslaver. It was a great way to understand the workings of Quand on Danse's training programs before coordinating them with the team. In-depth discussions about our role as dance teachers for audiences with disabilities were very enriching. The training concluded with magical moments, especially when we could directly apply the concepts taught by giving adapted and inclusive dance classes to audiences with physical and mental disabilities.
Choosing a single project that is close to my heart is difficult because they are all unique and captivating. However, I am particularly moved by the elderly who, after a dance class, regain their smiles, reconnect with physical sensations of the past, and radiate happiness. It's very inspiring to see that there is no age limit to dance! And it fills me with immense joy.