Mayane, the 21-year-old rising star of the popular French show 'Danse avec les stars', is making waves not only with her dance skills but also through the inspiring story of her family, especially her mother, Sandrine. This year, Mayane has enchanted audiences with her performances, from graceful waltzes to energetic cha-cha-chas, captivating both the judges and viewers alike.
Throughout the season, she has received support from her family, including her mother, Sandrine, who has been particularly instrumental. When interviewed by Gala, Sandrine shared deeply personal insights about her daughter and their shared experiences. She emphasized her commitment to Mayane's happiness and autonomy: "I don’t think about myself. I just want my daughter to be happy and independent." This sentiment reflects the strength of their mother-daughter relationship, which Mayane calls: "a great complicity, my mom fully supports me in everything I do."
Sandrine's devotion becomes even more poignant when she recounts the challenges faced when they learned about Mayane's diagnosis of Trisomy 21. During their initial consultation, doctors conveyed grim expectations about Mayane’s future, predicting she would not walk until the age of seven and would struggle throughout her life. “You have to be incredibly strong to handle such news. At the same time, it fuels your desire to prove them wrong,” Sandrine said.
Determined to change the narrative, both parents devoted countless hours to helping Mayane develop her skills, enhancing her vocabulary with picture books. “From the start, I knew we had to lift her up and push her forward,” Sandrine emphasized, crafting a promising path for Mayane. Their fight for Mayane to attend regular schooling was no easy feat, but they persisted through challenges, including the potential of courtroom disputes.
“For her to enter class, for example, there had to be mediation. But I was ready to take it to court,” Sandrine recalled. Their efforts paid off; Mayane has proven her capabilities, successfully obtaining two vocational qualifications – one in basketry and another in sewing and upholstery. Today, she is not only pursuing her passion for acting but is also sharing her love for dance through social media.
Tragedy struck the family ten years ago when Mayane lost her father. Sandrine poignantly shared the aftermath: “She lost him when she was 11 years old, and it was very hard. They were very close; he was the first to say, ‘she's going to amaze everyone later.’ For me as well, I never got over it. But if I had crumbled, Mayane would have too.” This depth of pain has only strengthened their bond, illustrating how they support and uplift each other.
Reflecting on their intertwined journeys through grief and growth, Sandrine remarked, “We helped each other.” Their relationship flourishes with mutual affection, where each draws strength from the other. “Like the pediatrician said, I’m her teddy bear!”
Now, as Mayane lights up the dance floor, her mother believes her late father becomes their guiding star, watching over them during this incredible endeavor on 'Danse avec les stars'. “He is probably our lucky charm who will guide her through this adventure,” Sandrine mused, hopeful for what the future holds.
This heartfelt story sheds light on the motivations and struggles behind Mayane’s success, which encompasses more than just dancing. It speaks to the dedication and tireless love of her family, especially her mother, who not only strives for Mayane's dreams but is also cherishing every fleeting moment of their shared experiences together. Mayane's appearances on television, combined with the outpouring of support from her family's history, create rich narratives of love, ambition, and resilience.
For many viewers across France, Mayane stands as not just another contestant on 'Danse avec les stars', but as a living example of perseverance and familial love. With each performance, she dances not just for herself but for her family, embodying the spirit of hope, strength, and determination to inspire others facing adversities.