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GUIDE
ADMISSION
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esbq.ca
OUR SCHOOL
OUR SCHOOL TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR SCHOOL
03 06
INTERPRETATION TEACHING
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BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT ALL PHOTOS ARE TAKEN BY MICHAEL SLOBODIAN UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.
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OUR SHOOL
ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY PHOTO CARL LESSARD
THE PERSONAL EVOLUTION OF OUR STUDENTS IS AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION. We value ballet as an ever-evolving tradition. We believe it is important to nurture our students to develop their mind, spirit, and body in movement in order to respond to the demands of today’s dynamic and expressive dance creations. As choreography becomes borderless, we also believe that dance artists must be trained to be versatile, creative, and motivated to push the boundaries of the past. Just as choreographers today draw on multiple disciplines to create dance, at L’École supérieure we optimize learning so that each student will be able to embark on a journey where their talent will best be served. We strive to foster our students to emerge as complete artists who are engaged, invested, passionate, and stimulated. As they develop autonomy with a professional focus, our students become independent learners and the architects of their own bodies and their continuing evolution.
HISTORY AND MISSION The origins of L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec date back to the early 1950s. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, dancer, choreographer and dance teacher arrived in Montréal just as the very first French-language television network was launched. While Madame Chiriaeff lost no time in applying her talent and energy to Radio-Canada’s variety programs, she did not limit herself to the small screen. True to her pioneering spirit, she gave Québec society its first major classical dance company, establishing Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and L’École supérieure, its first national establishment dedicated to professional dance training. In 1966, at the request of the Québec Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Madame Chiriaeff incorporated L’École supérieure. In 1980, the parent institutions moved to the Maison de la danse du Québec, located on Plateau Mont-Royal, in a major hub of artistic training. L’École supérieure established the Bibliothèque de la danse VincentWarren, which has become Canada’s leading dance documentation centre. When Les Grands Ballets Canadiens moved to the Quartier des spectacles in 2017, L’École supérieure gets more space to develop its programs, which included the training of masters and piano accompanists, as well as recreational classes for children and adults.
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OUR SCHOOL / ADMISSION GUIDE 2022
ARTISTIC DIRECTION
ANIK BISSONNETTE Principal dancer of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens for close to 17 years, Anik Bissonnette has devoted her energies, since 2010, to communicate her knowledge to a new generation of dancers worthy of the finest dance companies in Québec, Canada and the world.
TODAY, L’ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE’S PRIMARY MISSION REMAINS THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF CLASSICAL DANCERS FOR LES GRANDS BALLETS CANADIENS AND OTHER MAJOR DANCE COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD.
OUR SCHOOL
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION Admission by audition only
Interpretation
Junior cycle
Intermediary cycle
Dance-Study
After School Classes Grade
3 to 6
Advanced cycle
Grade
7 to 9
Grade
10 to 11
DES
DES = Secondary School Diploma
Based on an assesment of qualifications
Teaching
720 training hours, including practical internships
Based on an assesment of qualifications
Ballet Accompaniment
45 training hours and 15 hours of internships
photos PETER MORNEAU
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OUR SHOOL
PROGRAMS LEADING TO A CAREER IN DANCE
Post-Secondary Diploma in Classical Dance Performance
Superior cycle
DANCER
trained for Les Grands Ballets and other dance companies in Québec, Canada and around the world
DEC
Dance-Study
1st-3rd year DEC = Diploma of College Studies
AEC
Teacher Training Diploma
DANCE TEACHER
for Recreational and / or Professional
AEC = Attestation of College Studies
BALLET ACCOMPANIST
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OUR SCHOOL / ADMISSION GUIDE 2022
INTERPRETATION
INTERPRETATIO
INTERPRETATION
CURRICULUM L’École supérieure remains, more than half a century after its founding by Mrs. Ludmilla Chiriaeff, the only francophone institution in North America that offers a world-class training in ballet. The professional program in performance aims for the holistically development of students, incorporating morphological, psychological, artistic, technical and scholastic components. The artistic direction strives to combine the best elements of proven methods, while remaining on the lookout for the latest developments in the art of movement. The professional program is subdivided into cycles that fairly reflect the evolution of the training program, that is to say, the requirements in term of time and commitment, from junior to superior level. In the Junior Cycle, classes are given after school and on Saturdays. From the Intermediate Cycle, the student embarks on a dance-studies course and has the possibility to choose the official curriculum or the danceonly curriculum.
OFFICIAL CURRICULUM (Dance and Academic Pathway)
• Professional ballet training offered in conjunction with renowned academic partners. • Obtain a high-school diploma (DES) issued by the Government of Québec and an attestation of studies in classical dance from l’École supérieure. • Obtain a diploma of college studies (DCS) in classical dance-interpretation (561.BA.) issued by the Government of Québec and a graduate diploma in classical dance from l’École supérieure.
BOYS L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec believes that it is important to provide young men with solid technique, allowing them to develop the strength and precision needed to perform movements specific to them (jumps, lifts, etc.). For this reason, from the elementary level, boys take dynamic classes designed for highperformance athletes. In these classes, which are open exclusively to boys, students receive in-depth training in the specifically masculine aspects of classical technique, with a focus on vitality, endurance and action Possibility of a full bursary (see p. 16).
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DANCE-ONLY CURRICULUM • Same professional training course exclusively in dance. • Offers the possibility of taking correspondence courses. • Leads to a Graduate Diploma in classical dance issued by L’École supérieure.
INTERPRETATION
AUDITIONS To audition, potential students must meet requirements with regards to age (as of September 30, of the current year), health and aptitude for dance. Candidates of all ages and levels may audition. However, the later a student enters the program, the stricter the technical requirements. Consisting of L’École supérieure’s artistic director and teachers, the jury evaluates aspects such as coordination, flexibility, musicality and expression.
REGISTRATION
1 2
FILL THE FORM ON www.esbq.ca ADD TWO PHOTOS IN BALLET ATTIRE
+ Face ALL CANDIDATES
OR
OR
Arms Against Body
Tendu à la seconde
1re arabesque in profile
GRADE 2 TO 6 CANDIDATS
GRADE 7 TO 9 CANDIDATES
GRADE 10 AND OLDER CANDIDATES
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FEES OF $40
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ON AUDITION DAY, WEAR THE APPROPRIATE OUTFIT
Dance leotard with pink tights, demi-pointe and pointe shoes (if applicable) and hair bun
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White t-shirt, black shorts or tights and demi-pointe shoes
AUDITIONS JUNIOR CYCLE IN FRONT OF A JURY
2
hours
INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, AND SUPERIOR CYCLES: BY VIDEO
20
minutes
Latecomers will not be admitted and parents cannot attend the audition. Junior cycle’s candidates who cannot come to the in-person audition can send a video.
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INTERPRETATION
HOW TO PREPARE A VIDEO AUDITION ALL CANDIDATES Video audition (hyperlink or DVD) must be filmed with the camera at the body height and must include the following: • Facing front: Simply stand, facing the camera, arms relaxed along the body. • Profile position: As above, but stand sideways to the camera. • Pointing feet: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, extend the legs in front of the body and point both feet. • Flexing feet: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, extend the legs in front of the body and flex feet. The heels can lift off the ground. • External rotation (turnout): Lying on the ground, on the back, put the legs in a demi plié position (the frog). Try not to arch the back. Repeat the same position while lying on the stomach. • Back flexibility: Lying on the stomach, place both hands underneath the shoulders and push up with the arms only. The hips must stay on the ground. • Flexibility: Sitting on the ground, profile to the camera, with legs extended in front, lean forward and if possible, touch the feet while keeping the legs straight.
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CANDIDATES 11 TO 12 YEARS OF AGE • Exercises at the barre: pliés, tendus, grands battements, etc. • Musicality and coordination: skip in a circle or in diagonal on a musical accompaniment. • Artistry: perform a short choreography.
CANDIDATES 13 YEARS OF AGE AND UP Perform a short ballet class with these elements: • Barre (one side only) • Centre: tendus, adage, pirouettes and jumps (small, medium and big allegro) • Girls add one pointe exercise in the centre (preferably a pirouette exercise) and one variation, depending on the level.
INTERPRETATION
SUMMER INTENSIVE Candidates retained after the first audition are required to participate in the entire summer intensive program. An open class and short presentations to parents are held on the last day of the summer intensive program.
JUNIOR CYCLE Two intensive weeks to start training! A day-care service is offered at no additional cost before and after classes.
INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES
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TO
11
TO
JUNE
JULY
8
JULY
29 JULY
For three weeks, candidates will experience the daily training they would receive at L’École supérieure, taking classes in: • Ballet; • Workshop with Renowned • Pointes or Preparation Choreographers (From of Pointe Work; Grade 8) • Boys’ Technique; • Classical, Neo-Classical • Contemporary Dance; and Contemporary Repertoire. • Physical Training;
HOUSING ONLY OFFERED FROM JULY 10 TO 29 L’École supérieure offers the possibility of room and board to candidates from outside Montreal. • 7 days per week. • Supervision at all times. • Morning and evening meals provided on the accommodation premises; lunch box provided for the noontime meal. • Transportation by public transit with supervisors. • Recreational activities provided on weekends. Additional charges apply. Students can also opt to return home on weekends. • Arrival on the Sunday prior to the first day; departure the last Friday after the final class. PERFORMANCE / ADMISSION GUIDE 2022 .....................
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INTERPRETATION
CYCLES NOVICE CYCLE GRADE 2 The new Novice Cycle is a stepping stone to the Professional Division’s Performance Program. A true introduction to the vocabulary of classical dance and its expression, the Novice Cycle allows students to discover dance creation as well. Since the group is smaller than that of a recreational class, the supervision of each student is reinforced. At the end of each of the two sessions, an evaluation will attest the level of learning achieved. A show takes place at the end of the school year in our studios. A student wishing to join the Junior Cycle must do the audition.
Registration opens in Spring 2022 Limited spots
2
hours of classes per week, from September to June
JUNIOR CYCLE GRADE 3 TO 6 The Junior Cycle is the introduction to the professional program in classical dance performance, for children ages 8 to 11. It emphasizes excellence, a glimpse of self-transcendence and pleasure in movement. Classes take place after school, starting at 4:30 pm, and Saturdays. Evaluated each year, students must meet set objectives and comply with established requirements to be promoted to the next level or to continue on to the Intermediate Cycle. Otherwise, they can opt to continue to dance in the recreational division.
LEVELS AND CLASSES Level
Age
Weekly hours*
3
8 years old
4 hours
4
9 years old
6 1/2 hours
5
10 years old 10 1/2 hours
6
11 years old
*Subject to change.
Classes: • Ballet; • Creation; • Physical Training; • Boys Technique;
photo : KARINE BOUCHER
• Repertoire;
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• World Dances.
11 1/2 hours
INTERPRETATION
INTERMEDIATE CYCLE GRADE 7 TO 9 As of the Intermediate Cycle, the student embarks on a dance-studies path.
Classes: • Ballet;
TYPICAL DAY
• Pointes or Preparation of Pointe Work;
Dance classes
Classes
Transportation and lunch
• Boys’ Technique; • Character Dance (Grade 7);
Monday to Friday 08:00
09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
• Contemporary Dance (From Grade 8); • Physical Training;
Grade 8: classes on Saturday starting in January Grade 9: classes on Saturday from 10:45 to 13:00
• Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary Repertoire.
ADVANCED CYCLE GRADE 10 AND 11 In the Advanced Cycle, the student’s schedule allows to concentrate exclusively on studies on Mondays and devote themselves entirely to dancing on Saturdays.
• Boys’ Technique;
Dance classes
Classes
Transportation and lunch
• Contemporary Dance ; • Physical Training;
Monday to Friday 09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
09:00
• Repertoire; • Choreographic Workshop; • Partnering.
Saturday 08:00
• Ballet; • Pointes;
TYPICAL DAY
08:00
Classes:
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
SCHOOL PARTNER The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie (PSNM) is one of the ten best private and public schools in Québec. Its partnership with l’École supérieure is unique, as there is no other partnership of this kind in Québec. From its historic architecture to modern spaces, from the heritage section to areas dedicated to technology, from concert halls to classrooms, the PSNM offers a stimulating learning environment.
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INTERPRETATION
SUPERIOR CYCLE Average of 30 hours of dance training per week.
TYPICAL DAY Monday to Friday 09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
Theoretical or general classes
Saturday 09:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
Introduction to the Career Nutrition and Psychology
Art History Writing and Literature Physical Activity and Health
Functional Anatomy
Philosophy and Rationality Literature and Imagination Physical Education 1 Physical Activity and Efficiency
History of Dance
The Human Being (philosophy 2) Quebec Literature Physical Education 2 Physical Activity and Autonomy
Session 2
Introduction to Ballet in a Professional Setting Pointes and Variations: Updating Performance in Rehearsal Introduction to Partnering Complementary Training Methods*
Ballet Class Pointes and Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop
Session 3
General Classes at Cégep***
Ballet Class Pointes and Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Interpretation Complementary Technique*
Session 4
Theory Classes**
Ballet Class Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Rhythmic and Musical Approach Repertory Introduction to Creation
Session 5
Dance Classes
Ballet Class Variations Partnering Choreography Workshop Repertory
Career Management
Optional Course English or French, Second-Language
Session 6
3rd year
2nd year
1st year
Session 1
08:00
Dance classes
Ballet Class Variations Choreography Workshop Creation Interpretation
Artistic Appreciation
Optional Course English or French, Second-Language
SCHOOL PARTNER Partner with L’École supérieure since 1979, the Cégep du Vieux Montréal is the only educational establishment in Québec that issues a college diploma in classical dance. This prominent school is known especially for the high quality of its many arts-based technical training programs.
Ethics and Politics (Philosophy 3) Contemporary Literature and Culture
* Limon, Gaga, floor work. ** In French only . *** Students in the official program only. Literature and philosophy courses may be offered in English at another college.
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photo KHAYMAN
08:00
INTERPRETATION
ON STAGE THE INTERPRETATION PROGRAM PROVIDES A VARIED RANGE OF EXPERIENCES IN DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS BY ALLOWING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN MAJOR PRODUCTIONS ALONG WITH RECOGNIZED ARTISTS AND ORGANIZATIONS, IN THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS VENUES OF THE CITY.
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INTERPRETATION
Annual Show : Corps de ballet Photos MICHAEL SLOBODIAN
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INTERPRETATION
SERVICES GRANT Parents of students wishing to receive a support grant can obtain an application form from the Foundation of L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec and complete it before the end of the summer program. The Foundation will provide its answer as soon as possible, but before the end of August. Students receiving a support grant may be required to take part in activities organized by L’École supérieure and its foundation.
HOUSING OPTIONS The Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie offers boarding 5 days a week from Sunday night to Friday morning.
HEALTH At L’École supérieure, the health of dancers is systematically prioritized in all activities carried out during their training. For this reason, our institution systematically seeks ways of innovating with activities that improve the physical and psychological wellbeing of its students. They have access to mental preparation and nutrition workshops as well as cooking classes that teach them to deal with food issues and dispel food-related myths prevalent on social networks. The head of Health Services guides and coaches students and their parents, working in partnership with professionals renowned for their expertise in the evaluation and treatment of dancers.
BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE LA DANSE VINCENT-WARREN
photos RAYSIDE LABOSSIÈRE
Located on the first floor of the Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff, the library carries more than a collection, specializing in dance in Canada and around the world, with more than 30,000 documents. The free subscription to the Bibliothèque de la danse Vincent-Warren is part of the privileges of the student in the professional division.
bibliodanse.ca bibliodanse.ca
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INTERPRETATION
REGISTRATIONS AND FEES When students are admitted, they must complete their registration with both L’École supérieure and the academic partner corresponding to their level, if they choose the official curriculum. The fees displayed do not take into account the material and fees associated with certain activities that take place during the year. Additional fees may also be requested by our school partners. Please contact them for more details.
SUMMER INTENSIVE CYCLE
Dance fees
Junior Intermediate, advanced and superior
FOREIGN STUDENTS $1,100
Canadian
$1,800
Foreign
$2,800
Upon receipt of their acceptance letter, foreign students can start the process to obtain a student’s permit. Foreign students must obtain the following documents: • a Québec Acceptance Certificate for studies http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
NOVICE AND JUNIOR CYCLES CYCLE
Dance fees
Novice
$1,130
• insurance in the event of accident.
Junior 3
$1,780
Junior 4
$2,550
Junior 5
$3,465
For additional information on the process for obtaining a visa, please contact the Manager Registrar’s Office and Student Services.
Junior 6
$3,750
• a study permit http://www.cic.gc.ca
OFFICIEL CURRICULUM - INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES CYCLE
Dance fees
Intermediate and advanced
Superior
$5,060
$5,850
School Partner *
Total
From Québec
** $3,944
$9,004
Out of Québec
** $4,800
$9,860
From Québec
$189
$6,039
Canadian Out of Québec
$1,810
$7,660
Foreign
$8,438
$14,288
* Tuition fees are to be paid directly to the academic partner. ** Fees are subject to change. Associated fees of $350 to $950 also apply to the PSNM.
DANCE ONLY CURRICULUM INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND SUPERIOR CYCLES CYCLE Intermediate and advanced Superior
Dance fees Canadian
$6,775
Foreign
$8,975
Canadian
$7,600
Foreign
$10,250
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HOUSING PENSIONNAT DU SAINT-NOM-DE-MARIE *OPTIONAL CYCLE Intermediate and advanced
Accomodation ** $6,650
* Only open to students in the Official curriculum. ** Fees are subject to change.
''
My profession
DANCING INTERPRÉTATION
''
Raphaël Bouchard
Myriam Simon
Graduated in 2005
Bernard Dubois II
Alexandra Eccles
Graduated in 2021
Graduated
Maude Sabourin
Graduated in 2006
Jean-Sébastien Couture
Graduated in 2002
Tatiana Lerebours
Graduated in 2019
© SASHA ONYSHCHENKO
Graduated in 2016
Our Graduates Now With 18
Les Grands Ba
d in 1994
Maude Fleury
Graduated in 2021
Carrigan MacDonald
Graduated in 2021
Étienne Gagnon-Delorme
Catherine Toupin
Graduated in 2017
Graduated in 2017
François N. Gagné
Graduated in 2021
h
Ballets canadiens !
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TEACHING
TEACHING
TEACHING
HALF A CENTURY’S TRADITION With more than half a century’s tradition, L’École supérieure is an establishment committed to transmitting the necessary know-how to teach classical dance, both for recreational and / or professional students. In line with the reality of the working world, this program is also offered on a parttime basis.
720
Training hours, including practical internships
CLASSES:
IN FRENCH ONLY
• Initiation à la carrière; • Principes d’anatomie appliqués à l’enseignement de la danse; • Principes de psychopédagogie de la danse; • Musique et enseignement de la danse; • Élaboration d’activités d’apprentissage de la danse;
photo VANESSA FORTIN
• Stratégies d’enseignement appliquées à l’enseignement de la danse;
«Teaching allows me to share the extensive performing experience I acquired over the years as principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, then with La La La Human Steps. However, in order to properly guide my students in their development, I felt that I needed more knowledge in areas such as anatomy, music and psychology. Today, I am better equipped to plan courses and develop exercises suited to the challenges my students face.» — Andrea Boardman, Graduate
• Évaluation en danse; • Initiation en milieu de travail I et II; • Interprétation d’un programme; • Atelier pratique d’enseignement; • Production d’un spectacle.
APPLICANTS MUST HOLD: • a Dance Performance (561.BA) DEC in Classical Dance or equivalent or • professional experience as a dancer or • previous experience in dance teaching; • have sufficient knowledge of written and spoken French.
APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: • Résumé; • Letter of intent;
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• Letter of support from an employer
ACCOMPANIMENT
ACCOMPANIMENT
BALLET ACCOMPANIMENT
ACCOMPANYING A BALLET CLASS Accompanying a ballet class is an art form that requires a great deal of training and experience. This expertise is accessible through our ballet accompanist course that includes observation, theory and practice.
45 + 15
Hours of Apprenticeship
photo : PAULA YOUWAKIM / AGENCE MICKAËL SPINNHIRNY
Hours of Classes
La musique et la danse sont deux arts qui ont une étroite liaison ensemble. - Molière
APPLICANTS MUST HOLD: • proficiency in classical or jazz piano or • a college or university diploma or • previous experience in ballet accompaniment. Selected candidates will be invited for a short audition and an interview.
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CLASSES: • Introduction to ballet vocabulary; • Definition of the musical structure of exercises; • Strategies for communicating with ballet instructors;
4816, rue Rivard Montréal H2J 2N6
LEARN MORE Youri de Wilde Manager - Registrar’s office and Student Services youri.dewilde@esbq.ca
Maison de la danse du Québec Ludmilla-Chiriaeff Laurier Saint-Joseph exit 4816, rue Rivard Montréal (Québec) H2J 2N6 T. 514 849-4929 esbq.ca
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