La Goulue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Goulue
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| Born |
Louise Weber
12 July 1866 Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France
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| Died | 29 January 1929 (aged 62) Paris, France
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| Resting place | Cimitière de Montmartre |
| Other names | The Queen of Montmartre |
| Occupation | Dancer |
| Years active | 1882–1928 |
| Employer | Moulin Rouge |
La Goulue (which means The Glutton) was the stage name of Louise Weber. She was born on July 12, 1866, and passed away on January 29, 1929. Louise was a famous French can-can dancer. She became a big star at the Moulin Rouge, a popular cabaret in Paris, France.
People called her La Goulue because when she was young, she would quickly drink from customers' glasses while dancing. She was also known as the Queen of Montmartre.
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Early Life and Dreams
Not much is known about Louise Weber's very early childhood. It is thought she was born into a family from Alsace. Her family later moved to Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, which is close to Paris.
Her mother worked in a laundry. Louise loved to dance, even when she was a poor young girl. She would pretend to be a famous star. She sometimes dressed up in fancy clothes that belonged to the laundry customers.
When she was 16, Louise worked with her mother. But she secretly went to dance halls. She would "borrow" a customer's dress for her dancing.
Becoming a Dancer
Louise Weber started dancing in small clubs around Paris. She quickly became very popular. People liked her dancing skills and her bold, charming personality.
During her dances, she would tease the audience. She would swirl her dress high to show a heart on her knickers. She could also do a high kick and knock off a man's hat with her toe!
She often picked up a customer's drink and quickly finished it. This habit earned her the nickname La Goulue, meaning "The Glutton."
Later, she met the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He introduced her to a group of models. These models earned extra money by posing for artists and photographers.
Star of the Moulin Rouge
Louise Weber teamed up with Jacques Renaudin. He was a wine merchant who danced in his free time. His stage name was Valentin le Désossé.
They danced at the famous Moulin Rouge in Montmartre. This was when the club first opened. They performed an early style of the cancan dance.
They became instant stars. But Louise Weber really stole the show with her exciting performances. La Goulue became a permanent headliner. She was known for the can-can and the Moulin Rouge nightclub.
She was very popular in Paris and earned a lot of money. The artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec loved to paint her. His portraits and posters made her famous forever. Her best friend was La Môme Fromage (The Cheesy Girl). She was another famous can-can dancer at the Moulin Rouge. They were so close that people called them sisters.
Later Years
After becoming very famous and wealthy, Louise Weber left the Moulin Rouge in 1895. She wanted to start her own show. She spent a lot of money on a traveling show that went with a big fair.
However, her fans who loved her at the Moulin Rouge did not like her new show. Her business did not do well and failed. After her show closed, La Goulue was not seen in public as much.
She became sad and lost the money she had earned from dancing. In 1928, La Goulue returned to Montmartre. She had very little money. She sold peanuts, cigarettes, and matches on a street corner. This was near the Moulin Rouge. Few people recognized the former Queen of Montmartre. She had gained weight and looked tired.
She passed away a year later, at age 62, in Paris. She was first buried in the Cimetière de Pantin. Later, her remains were moved to the Cimetière de Montmartre.
See also
In Spanish: La Goulue para niños
- Women in dance
Images for kids
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1894
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1895 show
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