Solène Delinger
5.18pm, 4 November 2024modified to
5.54pm, 4 November 2024
Movement sequence this evening on the set of It starts today. Faustine Bollaert, the choreographer Yanis Marshall, former dance teacher of the Society is the guest of the show presented by Faustine Bollaert. Academy of the starshe broke down in tears while talking about the sexual abuse he allegedly suffered during his adolescence. On January 25, 2024, Yanis Marshall filed a complaint for “rape and sexual assault of a minor” against her former dance teacher and mentor Bruno Vandelli. The latter denies the facts.
Yanis Marshall influenced by Bruno Vandelli
Facing Faustine Bollaert, Yanis Marshall explains that it took him ten years to understand what happened to him because he was “in love” with his dance teacher. “I only had him for artists, a dance teacher, I respected him ten times more than anyone else,” he said. “My favorite quickly became (…) There was only one for me that I was more than proud of,” he remembers. “Quickly, there was an encounter that started in class.” Bruno Vandelli then allegedly lured him to his house to watch a Janet Jackson concert on a bed in his bedroom. “I remember my legs were shaking (…) He then put his hand on me and raped me,” says Yanis Marshall, with tears in his eyes.
The dancer explains that it took years to say the word rape. “It was my lawyer who put the word rape in my mouth. I always said: ‘But he didn’t beat me, he didn’t attack me, he didn’t force me'” For me, rape was really equal to violence and this gentleman was never violent with me. On the other hand, it was very manipulative, there was a real impact”, affirms Yanis Marshall of Faustine Bollaert’s team.
At the time, the dancer, as a teenager, thought he had a true love story with Bruno Vandelli, “the only person who mattered”. “He took my childhood away from me,” says the former teacher today. Academy of the stars. “And he also ended my relationship with my mother, I’m very angry with him because I was very close to her and he completely destroyed that,” says Yanis Marshall. More than twenty years ago, his mother sent him directly to the United States when she learned what was happening with Bruno Vandelli. He decided he didn’t understand. ”I was very aggressive with her (…) It took me years to rebuild a relationship with my mother.”
After years of self-destruction, addiction to sex and alcohol, his only escape, Yanis Marshall decided to break the silence last January. When he put words to his trauma he was on the path to healing. Although he is much better today, the dancer regrets that his name is now associated with that of his alleged attacker. “That kills me,” he says. “I worked all my life to have the career, I grew up in public housing all my life, I live very well today, I am respected in the world of dance”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Yanis Marshall Expert
Editor: Good evening, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Yanis Marshall, a renowned choreographer and dancer who recently made headlines for sharing his deeply personal story regarding his traumatic experiences as a minor. Thank you for joining us, Yanis.
Yanis Marshall: Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to be here.
Editor: Your recent appearance on It Starts Today was incredibly moving. You opened up about your childhood experiences with your dance teacher, Bruno Vandelli. Can you share with our audience what led you to speak out now after so many years?
Yanis: It’s been a long journey, filled with confusion and pain. For years, I didn’t understand or acknowledge what had happened to me. I loved my dance teacher deeply, and I think that complicated my feelings. Speaking out now is part of my healing process, and I want to encourage others who have been through similar experiences to find their voices.
Editor: In your interview, you mentioned that you were initially enamored with Vandelli’s teaching style, which made it difficult for you to reconcile your emotions. Can you elaborate on that dynamic?
Yanis: Of course. As a young dancer, I looked up to him not just as a teacher but as a mentor. The confusion came from the admiration and respect I felt. I wish I had understood back then that love and respect shouldn’t be manipulated into something harmful. It wasn’t until years later that I realized the gravity of those experiences.
Editor: You also shared a specific incident that was pivotal in your recollection of those events. How did that moment affect your understanding of your past?
Yanis: That moment—the first time I was lured under false pretenses—was a massive turning point for me. When I finally allowed myself to remember the details, I felt a rush of emotions, fear, and anger. Recognizing that I was a victim took time, and I had to confront a lot of feelings of shame and guilt along the way.
Editor: Moving forward, what message do you hope to convey to your audience, especially young dancers and those in the performing arts?
Yanis: I want to emphasize that anyone who has experienced abuse is not alone, and it’s okay to speak out. The arts community needs to foster safe environments where our talents can flourish without the shadow of manipulation or abuse. It’s crucial to have open dialogues about these issues—education, awareness, and support are essential.
Editor: You have certainly sparked important conversations with your bravery. Many people look up to you as a role model. How do you plan to use your platform moving forward?
Yanis: I want to advocate for survivors and raise awareness about the importance of consent and safeguarding in the arts. I’m considering collaborating with organizations that focus on protecting youth in dance and offering support for those who have suffered similar fates. My experience can serve as a catalyst for change.
Editor: That sounds incredibly impactful. As a part of your healing journey, what steps are you take to process and navigate your experiences?
Yanis: Therapy has been a crucial step for me, allowing me to unpack my feelings and experiences in a safe space. Additionally, surrounding myself with supportive friends and other artists who understand the importance of mental health has made a huge difference. The process is ongoing, but it’s about reclaiming my life and my artistry.
Editor: Final question: what advice would you give to someone who feels trapped in silence regarding their own traumatic experiences?
Yanis: I would say to take the time you need and trust that your feelings are valid. Remember that you are not alone in this. Finding someone you can confide in—a friend, a trusted professional—can be the first step toward healing. Your story matters, and you deserve a voice.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights today, Yanis. Your courage and commitment to advocacy are inspiring. We look forward to supporting you in this important work.
Yanis: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.