Fabienne Haustant 

Fabienne Haustant will carry the Olympic Torch. This is her story:

Fabienne boasts a rich and inspiring story for all those who know her. In spite of her visual disability, she has been able to transform this difficulty into a strength and make her dream come true in becoming a professional dancer. She did not have the possibility of taking dance lessons as a child, but nevertheless, at the age of 16 years, she joined a dance troupe. When she was 17 years old, she auditioned for musical videos and various shows, all this without anyone suspecting that she suffered from pigmentary retinopathy, a disease which has gradually affected her vision.

Humorously and poetically, she describes her eyes as “old mirrors gradually losing their sparkle”. Her determination is matched by a deep desire to share her passion with others. In 2012, at the age of 39 years old, Fabienne decided to put her talent at the service of others by creating the association ‘Danse les yeux fermés’ (dancing eyes shut), which is accessible to all. Hier aim is to change the way sighted people see visual impairment and break down the prejudices and barriers that surround it. Through her workshops, she teaches her students to dance blindfolded, inviting them to explore their other senses and to take a fresh look at differences.