Jean Dauberval

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Lithograph of Jean Dauberval, Paris, circa 1790
Lithograph of Jean Dauberval, Paris, circa 1790

Jean Dauberval, aka Jean D’Auberval (born Jean Bercher in Montpellier, Kingdom of France on 19 August 19, 1742; and died in Tours, French Empire on 14 February 1806), was a french dancer and Ballet Master. He is most noted for creating the ballet La Fille mal gardée, one the most enduring and popular works with ballet companies throughout the world.

Dauberval was trained at the school of the Paris Opéra where he studied under the great Noverre. He was appointed Premier danseur of the Ballet of the Académie Royale de Musique in 1763, and in 1771 he was named Ballet Master. From 1781 until 1783 he was engaged as Maître de Ballet to the Académie.

In 1783 Dauberval relocated to Bordeaux where he accepted the post of Maître de Ballet to the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, a position he held until 1791. In 1789 Dauberval created his most enduring ballet, La Fille mal gardée, in which his wife the danseuse Marie-Madeleine Crespé (known to history as Mme. Théodore) created the role of Lison (or Lise, as the role is known today).

[edit] Noted works


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