PHILIPPE

When I was young, I used to like ballet music, without going to see it or anything. I liked the discipline and the sound of the music. I often worked out and lifted weights at the gym, and there’d be a ballet class there. I watched it through a window and liked the flow and the rigour. I wanted to learn it, but I thought, “I’ll never do that!” On top of that all the other students were wémon.

And then, six or seven years ago, I mustered my courage and went to the teacher and told her I liked the music and the discipline.  And I started the class and really liked it. I wasn’t a really good dancer, and was a bit awkward over being the only boy. I felt shy when other people would gawk at us through that window, and there were moments when it felt a bit ridiculous. 

But it did a lot for me, helping me deal with my natural timidity and giving me grace and posture and skills that would help me on the stage. It took me out of my comfort zone and ultimately gave me confidence. Ballet is hard work. I love ballet.

For me, gardening is about flowers.  I love putting my hands in the ground.

You know, I don’t like working with gloves–I like being in contact with the earth and making things grow. I think I have a green thumb. I’ll take a little seed, plant it and watch.  Gardening is more about seeing things change, come to flower. I find it super-interesting to follow a plant’s growth cycle. I like flowers, and creating pleasing bouquets for people is always fun.