Antoine Bournonville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antoine Bournonville
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Antoine Bournonville by Per Krafft the Elder
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| Born | 19 May 1760 Lyon, France
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| Died | 11 January 1843 (aged 82) Fredensborg, Denmark
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| Known for | ballet dancer |
| Spouse(s) | Mariane Jensen, Lovisa Sundberg |
| Children | August Bournonville |
Antoine Bournonville (born May 19, 1760 – died January 11, 1843) was a famous French ballet dancer and choreographer. He worked with the Royal Swedish Ballet and later became the ballet master for the Royal Danish Ballet. Many people believe he was very important in helping ballet grow in countries like Sweden and Denmark. He was also the father of another famous dancer, August Bournonville.
Early Life and Training
Antoine Bournonville was born in Lyon, France. His parents, Louis-Amable Bournonville and Jeanne Evrard, were both actors. Antoine was a twin!
When he was nine years old, in 1769, Antoine began studying with a very famous ballet teacher named Noverre. He traveled and performed in big cities like Vienna, Paris, and London. In 1782, he joined the Royal Swedish Ballet in Stockholm, Sweden, along with his sister, Julie Alix de la Fay.
A Star in Sweden
Antoine Bournonville was the main dancer and a ballet teacher at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. He worked there until 1792. People often said he was very handsome and graceful, like the Greek god Apollo. He was known for his amazing dance skills and excellent taste.
King Gustav III of Sweden was once so impressed by Antoine's dancing that he asked him to untie his hair ribbon. The King wanted to see Antoine's hair fly freely as he performed a pirouette (a spinning move).
Antoine's favorite dance partner in Sweden was Charlotte Slottsberg. They were a very successful pair in ballets. Antoine himself asked for Charlotte to be his partner because he saw how talented she was. In 1784, he gave her a big role in a ballet called Les Meunieres Provencaux. This role helped Charlotte become a truly great artist.
Besides dancing, Antoine also acted, sang, and created ballets. While in Sweden, he choreographed two ballets: Les Meuniers provençaux (1785) and Les Pêcheurs (1789).
Moving to Denmark
In 1792, after King Gustav III of Sweden passed away, Antoine left Sweden. He performed as a guest in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was then hired by the Royal Danish Ballet. His main dance partner in Denmark was Marie Christine Björn. From 1816 to 1823, Antoine Bournonville became the ballet master for the Royal Danish Ballet, leading many dancers and performances.
Family Life
Antoine Bournonville was married twice. His first wife was a Danish dancer named Mariane Jensen. His second wife was Lovisa Sundberg, who was his housekeeper in Sweden. Lovisa was the mother of his famous son, August Bournonville, who also became a very important ballet dancer and choreographer. Antoine also had a child with another Danish dancer, Karen Olsen.
Antoine Bournonville passed away on January 11, 1843, at the age of 82. He is buried in the churchyard of Asminderød Church in Fredensborg, Denmark.
Images for kids
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Antoine Bournonville by Per Krafft the Elder
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Antoine Bournonville
