Jean Dauberval facts for kids
Jean Dauberval, also known as Jean D’Auberval, was a famous French dancer and ballet master. He was born as Jean Bercher in Montpellier on August 19, 1742. He passed away in Tours on February 14, 1806. Dauberval is best known for creating a ballet called La fille mal gardée. This ballet is still very popular today and is one of the most loved dance shows.
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Early Life and Training
Jean Dauberval learned to dance at the school of the Paris Opéra. This was a very important dance school in Paris, France. He had a great teacher named Jean-Georges Noverre. Noverre was a famous ballet master who taught dancers how to tell stories with their movements.
In 1763, Dauberval became a premier danseur at the Académie Royale de Musique. This means he was a top male dancer. Later, in 1771, he was named a ballet master. A ballet master is someone who teaches dancers and creates new ballets.
Working in Paris and London
From 1781 to 1783, Dauberval worked as the Maître de Ballet for the Académie Royale de Musique. This was a very important job where he was in charge of the ballet performances.
He also worked in London for the 1783-84 season. He was the ballet master at the King's Theatre there. He created several new ballets during his time in London.
Moving to Bordeaux
In 1783, Dauberval moved to the city of Bordeaux in France. He became the maître de ballet at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. He held this position until 1791, which was a long time.
While in Bordeaux, he created his most famous ballet. This was La Fille mal gardée, which means "The Ill-Guarded Girl." He created it in 1789.
La Fille mal gardée
La Fille mal gardée is a very special ballet. It tells a funny story about a young girl named Lison (now called Lise) who wants to marry the boy she loves. However, her mother wants her to marry a rich, silly farmer.
Dauberval's wife, Marie-Madeleine Crespé, was also a dancer. She was known as Madame Théodore. She played the first Lison in the ballet. This ballet was different because it showed everyday life and feelings, not just kings and gods. It became very popular and is still performed by ballet companies all over the world today.
Other Important Works
Jean Dauberval created many other ballets during his career. Here are some of his notable works:
- The Pastimes of Terpsicore (1783, London)
- Friendship lead to Love (1783, London)
- Le Page inconstant (1787, Bordeaux) - This ballet was based on a famous play.
- Psyché et l'Amour (1788, Bordeaux)
- Amphion et Thalie, ou L’Élève des Muses (1791, London)
See also
In Spanish: Jean Dauberval para niños
