The first, the "Dance School Demonstrations " takes place in December. In these demonstrations, dance lessons are given exactly as they take place at the school, except these are in public and on stage at the Palais Garnier. The event, which includes three performances, is highly popular among a "specialist " audience of dance professionals and pupils from many dance courses. It is also a highlight for the pupils' families. This makes it an all-important event in the life of the school, as it opens up its cocoon for a day. The younger pupils will take their maiden steps on a stage steeped in legend. For the older pupils, it is the opportunity to become familiar with the feeling of being evaluated and being compared to each other. They experience both the pleasure and pride of being part of a family as well as the desire to stand out from that family. These are the basics of working within a corps de ballet.