Chun Wing Lam sheds some light on his atypical career path and his day-to-day life as a performer in the prestigious Paris Opera!

What's your story ?

I was born in Hong Kong where I began dancing at the age of seven. When I turned 14, I decided to go professional. I applied to join the Paris Opera’s school of dance and I was accepted. It was a double whammy for me! After 4 years of training at the school, I passed the entrance exams to join the Corps de Ballet. This year, I’m starting my 5th season as part of the Opera.

Why do you describe your arrival at the Opera’s dance school as a “double whammy”? 

When I set foot in France, I experienced a culture shock. I had never been to Europe before. I didn’t speak French and I had to learn the language rather quickly since very few people at the school spoke English. It was also a shock because I had never trained as a professional dancer before. It was intense and physically taxing. In addition, the fact that I was living at a boarding school on the opposite side of the world as my parents was complicated. Being away from my family was difficult. I’m really happy I made the sacrifice, but I’m not sure I’d do it all over again.

What is life like at a high-level dance school? 

The schedule was adjusted. Mornings began with regular coursework, but the afternoon was for dancing. I passed the “brevet de college” (middle school exams) at the school, but then worked on my Scientific Baccalaureate (high school) with the CNED (National Center for Distance Education) because the school only offered a Literary Baccalaureate. I earned my diploma on the first try all while dancing my first season with the Opera’s Corps de Ballet.

Why did you decide to further your studies with Grenoble Ecole de Management? 

I stopped studying at the start of my second season with the Corps de Ballet, but I felt the need to keep developing myself intellectually, so I started looking for an option that would be compatible with my current schedule. One day I happened to pass by GEM’s Paris campus and I noticed that they had degree programs catered to high-level athletes. Even if I’m not officially recognized as such by the State, I gave it a shot and GEM accepted me!

How did you mage to juggle school and your career?

I was able to successfully tackle both activities simultaneously thanks to GEM’s staff. They were always attentive to my needs and extremely flexible with the course schedule.

Written by: Maximilien Arengi 

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