“Ballet needs more men!” Auguste Bournonville believed this. We are standing before the Auguste Bournonville Plaque. It commemorates a man who shaped Danish ballet.
Auguste Bournonville was born in Copenhagen in 1805. His father Antoine led the Royal Danish Ballet. Auguste followed in his footsteps. He studied in Paris and became a soloist at the Paris Opera. He learned from Auguste Vestris.
In 1830, Bournonville became ballet master for the Royal Theatre. He wanted to elevate ballet. He emphasized its regal and refined qualities. He created significant roles for male dancers. This showed off their virtuosity. Bournonville choreographed “La Sylphide” in 1836. He highlighted his student Lucile Grahn. She was only 17.
Bournonville incorporated his travels into his ballets. He included elements from different countries. He retired from dancing in 1848. He continued directing the Royal Theatre until 1877. He briefly worked in Vienna and Stockholm.
Bournonville likely did not foresee his impact. His contributions are recognized worldwide today. The Royal Danish Ballet performed his choreography in New York in 1956. This built his artistic legacy. Ballet companies still perform “La Sylphide.”
This Auguste Bournonville Plaque marks a special spot. Bournonville stayed here in 1838 and 1874. This building was once the Hôtel des Hautes Alpes. It is now the Hôtel Montpensier.
In 2005, Paris celebrated the bicentennial of Bournonville’s birth. A team from Denmark came to Paris. They included Frank Andersen and Anne-Marie Vessel Schlueter. They taught classes and performed extracts from ballets.
A studio in the Conservatoire du VIIème was inaugurated in Bournonville’s name. The Danish team presented a portrait of Bournonville. They also gifted the hotel a portrait of Bournonville. It hangs in the breakfast room.
Richard Flahaut recalled Bournonville’s 1874 visit. He visited the Palais Garnier construction site. He saw Sarah Bernhardt perform at the Comédie Française.
This plaque reminds us of Bournonville’s legacy. He championed male dancers. He brought ballet to new heights. He left a lasting impact on the world of dance. Take a moment to appreciate his contributions. Consider how his work still influences ballet today.