VALDOSTA — French dancer Corentin Coadou moved to Valdosta last year, bringing his unique and highly skilled form of dance.

His father’s work brought the family from Poitiers, France to Valdosta. Coadou began school at Valdosta High and is now choreographing routines for the VHS dance group.

“When I moved here, I wanted to do something bigger in dance,” said Coadou. “I am dancing for South Georgia Pride, won a local talent show and am doing some performances and dance workshops.”

France to South Georgia was quite an adjustment for Coadou with every aspect of school and culture being vastly different.

Although he learned English in France, he learned the British version and adjusting to heavy Southern accents proved challenging.

“I didn’t know how to talk to people or make friends,” he said. “Dance was a way to show that I have something unique and it can cross language barriers. I feel it is important to know how to talk with your body.”

Coadou, who has been dancing his entire life, was heavily influenced by French choreographer Yanis Marshall, who is known for pulling off perfect dance routines while wearing stilettos.

“I am also influenced by, of course, Beyonce,” he said. “What I want is to be able to be a choreographer and have my own studio. I want to be able to travel around America and the world teaching my style.”

A high school senior, he said he hopes to attend a dance college in either New York or Los Angeles.

“I am proud of who I am,” said Coadou. “I am more confident in myself because of dancing.”

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.