Pauline Leroux facts for kids
Adèle-Louise-Pauline Leroux (born August 19, 1809 – died February 5, 1891) was a famous French dancer. She was a ballerina during the 1800s, a time known for Romantic ballet. Pauline was also a member of the important Paris Opéra Ballet.
Early Life and Family
Pauline Leroux was born in Paris, France. Her father was Louis-Bénigne-Marie Leroux, who worked for the military. Her mother was Marguerite-Suzanne Lecocq. Pauline came from a family of performers. Her older sister, Antoinette-Désirée Leroux, was also a dancer at the Paris Opera. Her other sister, Aminthe Delisle-Leroux, became an actress. Later in her life, on July 12, 1848, Pauline married a well-known actor named Pierre-Chéri Lafont.
Becoming a Ballet Star
Pauline Leroux learned ballet from two famous teachers: Auguste Vestris and Jean-François Coulon. She joined the Paris Opéra Ballet in 1826. She danced there until 1837. She returned to the company from 1840 to 1844. During this time, she often took the place of other famous dancers like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Elssler.
Pauline had her first big success in 1832. She played the role of Marie in a ballet called La tentation. She also performed in Leda, the Swiss Milkmaid that same year. In 1836, she was a huge hit in Le Diable Boiteux. Later, in 1840, she danced as Uriel in The Devil in Love with Joseph Mazilier.
Dancing for Royalty
Pauline Leroux often danced in London, England, between 1824 and 1833. A young Princess Victoria saw her perform many times. Princess Victoria even painted pictures of Pauline! One painting showed Pauline as Fenella in Massaniello at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in 1832.
Princess Victoria also painted Pauline when she danced in La Somnambule in 1833. She also saw Pauline as Effie in La Sylphide in 1833. Princess Victoria was such a fan that she made a doll of Pauline dressed as her character from Massaniello. This doll is still kept in the Royal Collection today!
In 1841, Pauline danced in the first show of a grand opera called La reine de Chypre. The famous composer Richard Wagner was in the audience on that opening night.
Later Life and Legacy
After her dancing career, Pauline Leroux became a choreographer. This means she created the dances for ballets. She passed away in 1891 in Paris. Pauline Leroux is buried with her husband, Pierre-Chéri Lafont, in Montmartre Cemetery.
