Valentin le désossé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valentin le Désossé
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|---|---|
| Born |
Jacques Renaudin
26 February 1843 |
| Died | 4 March 1907 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | Dancer |
Valentin le Désossé (born Jacques Renaudin; February 26, 1843 – March 4, 1907) was a famous French can-can dancer. His stage name, "Valentin the Boneless," described his amazing flexibility. He became a big star at the Moulin Rouge in Paris during the 1890s. He was best known for dancing with his partner, Louise Weber, who was called La Goulue (The Glutton).
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A Star at the Moulin Rouge
Not much is known about Jacques Renaudin's early life. He was born in Paris. As an adult, he spent his nights dancing at the Moulin Rouge. This was a very famous cabaret in the Pigalle area of Paris.
At the Moulin Rouge, he became partners with La Goulue. Together, they performed a dance called the chahut, which was a type of can-can. They were very popular in Paris at the end of the 1800s. Everyone loved to watch them dance.
Valentin's Unique Dancing Style
Valentin was tall and thin. He had a distinct profile with a long nose and chin. His long arms and legs made him look very stretched out. He got his stage name because his joints were so flexible. He could bend and twist his body with amazing grace. It looked almost as if he had no bones at all!
He moved smoothly from one dance position to another. He usually wore a black suit and a top hat. People admired his fluid and beautiful movements. He performed many dances on the Moulin Rouge stage. He was a professional dancer and a big attraction. He stopped dancing in 1895.
Understanding the Can-Can Dance
The can-can is a lively and acrobatic dance. It is spelled cancan in French. It came from an older dance called the chahut. This dance was popular in public ballrooms. Students and young workers often danced it.
What Makes the Can-Can Special?
The can-can is known for being wild and energetic. Dancers need to be very flexible and full of life. There are no set steps, so dancers can be very creative. They perform spectacular leaps, high kicks, cartwheels, and jump splits.
The can-can became very popular in French music halls and cabarets. Places like the Casino de Paris and the Moulin Rouge featured it. It usually involved many female dancers. They wore long, flowing skirts, petticoats, and black stockings.
Valentin le Désossé was one of the few men who danced the can-can professionally. He was a very popular performer at the Moulin Rouge in the early 1890s.
