Dauberval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dauberval
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Dauberval, about 1790
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Jean Bercher
August 19, 1742 Montpellier, France
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| Died | February 14, 1802 (aged 59) Tours, France
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| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Dancer Choreographer |
| Known for | La Fille mal gardée |
Jean Bercher (known as Dauberval or D'Auberval) was a famous French ballet dancer and choreographer. He was born in Montpellier, France, on August 19, 1742, and passed away in Tours, France, on February 14, 1802. Dauberval is especially remembered for creating La Fille mal gardée, one of the oldest ballets still performed today.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Jean Dauberval began his journey in the world of ballet as a student of the well-known Jean-Georges Noverre. Noverre was a very important figure in ballet history. He believed that ballets should tell a story and show real emotions, not just be a series of fancy steps. Dauberval learned a lot from Noverre's ideas.
Debut at the Paris Opéra
Dauberval made his first big appearance at the Paris Opéra on June 12, 1762. This was a huge step for any dancer at that time. The Paris Opéra was one of the most important stages in Europe. It was where the best dancers and performers showcased their talents.
A Master of Mime
Dauberval was known for being a superb mime. Mime in ballet means using body movements and facial expressions to tell a story or show feelings without speaking. It's like acting without words. His ability to express emotions and actions through mime made his performances very powerful and easy for the audience to understand.
Creating Comedy Ballet
While Dauberval did not choreograph many ballets, he is famous for creating a new style called the comedy ballet. Before him, many ballets were serious or focused on grand stories. Comedy ballets, as the name suggests, were light-hearted and often funny. They told stories about everyday life and ordinary people, which was quite new and exciting for audiences.
La Fille mal gardée
His most famous work is La Fille mal gardée (which means "The Poorly Guarded Girl"). This ballet was first performed in 1789. It tells the funny story of a young girl, Lise, who tries to marry the boy she loves, Colas, even though her mother wants her to marry a rich, silly man.
Why it's Special
La Fille mal gardée is special because it was one of the first ballets to focus on ordinary people and their everyday lives. It was also very funny and full of charm. It is still performed around the world today, making it one of the oldest ballets that audiences can still enjoy live. Its lasting popularity shows how important Dauberval's ideas were for the future of ballet.
Images for kids
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Lithograph of Jean Dauberval, Paris, circa 1790
See also
In Spanish: Jean Dauberval para niños
