Valerie Fourrier’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the importance of balancing one’s dreams with life’s practical demands. She tells Edwin D’Souza about her journey through ballet and diplomacy, and a life that’s been enriched by cultural experiences and unwavering dedication.
Valerie Fourrier’s journey into ballet began serendipitously at the tender age of five. Initially aspiring to be a cheerleader, she found her path redirected when her mother took her to a cheerleading school that only accepted children over 14. Disappointed but undeterred, their walk home led them past an opera house in France, where a poster advertised ballet classes for young children.
“I had no idea what ballet was,” she recalls. “But it quickly became a significant part of my life, with my parents often using it as motivation for good behaviour.”
Despite her passion for the art form, Valerie’s aspirations to become a professional ballerina were not fully realised due to her parents’ insistence on pursuing a more conventional career and encouragement to maintain it as a hobby instead. Reflecting on this, Valerie acknowledges: “I think they saved me from being in this very competitive world, as I am not someone who is very competitive. I also believe my physique might have presented limitations in a professional ballet career.”
Valerie’s professional life was demanding, having served as a Navy officer and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This career required her to travel extensively and work closely with high-level officials, leaving little time for ballet.
Upon retiring from her diplomatic career in her forties, she immersed herself in ballet once again, attending classes daily. Other dance forms she explored include contemporary, jazz and neoclassical styles, but classical ballet remained her core passion. “It was in my DNA,” she says.
Her experience with dance in Bahrain has been limited, though she did participate in a music video shortly – a fun experience which she recalls fondly.
Yet, living in Bahrain has also significantly impacted Valerie, particularly through cultural experiences such as participating in International Dance Day. She cherishes these events, which she describes as “dreamlike” and appreciates the opportunity to present her book on ballet and discuss dance as a universal language. “Bahrain epitomises tolerance and coexistence, values which I believe the world can learn from, and so I plan to write a book about the Kingdom to highlight these virtues,” she states.
Valerie now intends to focus on promoting ballet and its values, such as discipline and perseverance. She also mentors young dancers and recounts the experience of mentoring a 13-year-old girl whose body type didn’t fit the Paris Opera Ballet’s standards. “I helped her find schools in the US and Canada, eventually leading to her acceptance at the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York. I wish I could do more of that – help people and bring a new light to this dance form,” she says.
Looking forward, Valerie is eager to continue her projects, including publishing her third book and writing about Bahrain. She remains committed to her passion for ballet and encourages others to persist in their dreams. ‘Never give up on your dreams and always work hard. Even if things are hard, the reward will be greater,” she concludes.
