Famous French Choreographers

Larry Bourgeois, known as "Ca Blaze," is a multi-talented French artist renowned for his expertise in new style hip-hop dancing and choreography. Alongside his twin brother Laurent, he has excelled as a dancer, choreographer, producer, model, designer, and creative director of "Eleven Paris." Larry has showcased his skills on various platforms, from winning international dance competitions like Juste Debout to featuring in high-profile music videos and commercials for esteemed fashion brands. With a towering height and a strong presence in the entertainment industry, Larry continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Benjamin Millepied is a renowned French dancer and choreographer who has made significant contributions to the world of dance. After rising through the ranks at the New York City Ballet, he went on to create choreography for various prestigious companies. He founded the LA Dance Project and served as Director of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet. Millepied's work extends beyond the stage, as he choreographed for notable films like Black Swan and Dune, showcasing his versatility and talent in the dance world.

Marius Petipa was a highly influential ballet dancer, pedagogue, and choreographer known for his extensive contributions to the St. Petersburg Imperial Theatres. As the Premier maître de ballet, he held the position of Ballet Master and principal choreographer of the Imperial Ballet for over three decades. Petipa created numerous iconic ballets, including The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake, while also reviving and preserving many classical works by other choreographers. His legacy continues to shape the landscape of ballet to this day.

Violette Verdy was a renowned French ballerina, choreographer, teacher, and writer. She served as a dance company director with the Paris Opera Ballet in France and the Boston Ballet in the United States. During her time as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet from 1958 to 1977, she starred in the premieres of numerous works by acclaimed choreographers such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Verdy later held the position of Distinguished Professor of Music (Ballet) at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, and received two medals from the French government for her contributions to the arts.

Roland Petit was a prominent figure in the world of ballet, serving as a ballet company director, choreographer, and dancer. He received his training at the renowned Paris Opera Ballet school, which laid the foundation for his successful career. Petit gained recognition for his innovative and imaginative ballet creations, establishing himself as a leading choreographer in the industry. His work was characterized by creativity and artistry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of dance.

Jean-Georges Noverre was a French dancer and ballet master credited with creating ballet d'action, a precursor to 19th-century narrative ballets. He performed in various cities before composing his first major work, Les Fêtes Chinoises. Noverre revolutionized ballet by emphasizing physical and emotional expression over elaborate costumes and scenery. He worked in Lyon, London, and with Duke Karl Eugen of Württemberg and Empress Maria Theresa. Noverre later served as maître des ballets at the Paris Opera and counted Voltaire, Mozart, and Frederick the Great among his friends.

Pierre Beauchamp was a renowned French choreographer, dancer, and composer known for his significant contributions to the world of dance. He is credited as the probable inventor of the Beauchamp-Feuillet notation, a system that revolutionized the way dance steps were recorded and passed down through generations. Beauchamp's professional life was marked by his expertise in choreography, his innovative approach to dance composition, and his influence on the development of ballet as an art form.

Arthur Saint-Léon was a prominent ballet master known for his work with the Imperial Russian Ballet from 1859 to 1869. He is renowned for choreographing the beloved ballet "Coppélia." Saint-Léon also made significant contributions to the field by inventing a method of choreographic notation. This innovative system was the first to detail movements of the torso, head, and arms separately from those of the feet, revolutionizing the way ballet movements were documented and preserved for future generations.

Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam is an Iranian modern dancer based in Paris. He is a choreographer, actor, and director, with a background in history of art and theatre. As the founder and former artistic director of Nakissa Art Company, he has made significant contributions to the world of dance and theater. Notably, he is the first Iranian to be a member of the esteemed Comédie-Française troupe, showcasing his talent and skill on an international stage.

Jules-Joseph Perrot was a renowned French dancer and choreographer, known for his significant contributions to the world of ballet in the 19th century. He gained prominence as Ballet Master of the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he created several iconic ballets such as Pas de Quatre, La Esmeralda, Ondine, and Giselle in collaboration with Jean Coralli. Perrot's innovative choreography and artistic vision left a lasting impact on the ballet world, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in dance history.

Charles Didelot was a renowned French dancer, choreographer, and creator of ballet shoes. He trained in Stockholm and Paris under notable instructors before making a name for himself in London and eventually being invited to work with the Russian Imperial ballet. Didelot's innovative choreography, including the use of flying machines and introducing ballerinas posing on pointe, revolutionized the art of ballet. He significantly influenced the development of ballet, delivering over 40 full ballets and elevating Russian ballet to global prominence before a quarrel led to his departure from the Imperial troupe.

Jean Coralli was a renowned ballet dancer and choreographer best known for co-creating the romantic ballet "Giselle" with Jules Perrot. He was associated with prestigious theaters such as La Scala in Milan and Porte-Saint-Martin Theater in Paris. Coralli's professional career flourished with works like "La Péri" and "La Tentation," showcasing his talent and creativity in the world of ballet. His contributions to the art form have left a lasting impact on the ballet world, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in the industry.

Marie-Claude Pietragalla is a renowned French dancer and choreographer known for her innovative and expressive work in the world of dance. With a career spanning decades, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Pietragalla has captivated audiences with her unique choreographic style, blending classical and contemporary dance techniques seamlessly. Her artistic vision and passion for movement have earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout her career. Pietragalla continues to inspire and push boundaries in the art of dance with her creativity and dedication.

Raoul Auger Feuillet was a prominent figure in Baroque dance, renowned for his significant contributions to the art form. He is best remembered for the introduction of the Beauchamp–Feuillet notation through his influential work Chorégraphie. Feuillet's collaboration with Royal Academy of Dance conductor André Lorin further solidified his reputation in the dance world. His masterpiece Recueil de danses showcases his exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer. Feuillet's professional legacy is marked by his innovative notation system and his lasting impact on Baroque dance practices.

Kamel Ouali is a renowned French-Algerian choreographer known for his innovative and dynamic work in the field of dance. With a career spanning several decades, he has choreographed numerous successful shows in various genres, including musicals, concerts, and television programs. Ouali is recognized for his unique artistic vision, blending different styles and techniques to create captivating performances that have garnered critical acclaim worldwide. His dedication to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable choreography has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the dance industry.

Jean Dauberval, a French dancer and ballet master, is renowned for creating the enduring ballet, La Fille mal gardée. Trained at the Paris Opéra, he studied under Jean-Georges Noverre and later became premier danseur and ballet master at the Académie Royale de Musique. Dauberval's career also included engagements in London and Bordeaux, where he held the position of maître de ballet. Known for integrating dramatic action into dance, his influence extended to notable pupils such as Charles Didelot and Salvatore Vigano.

Suzanne Douvillier, also known as Madame Placide, was a prominent French ballerina, mime, and choreographer. She made significant contributions to the performing arts during her career. Douvillier is recognized as one of the first trained ballerinas to perform in the United States, showcasing her exceptional talent and skill. Her performances captivated audiences with her graceful movements and expressive storytelling through dance. Throughout her professional life, Douvillier left a lasting impact on the world of ballet and choreography.

Delphine Moussin, a French dancer and ballerina, embarked on her dance journey alongside her sister Caroline. She rose through the ranks to become the principal dancer and eventually the esteemed prima ballerina of the Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra. Delphine's career reached new heights when she achieved fame for her remarkable performance in the ballet Cinderella despite having a broken wrist. Her dedication, skill, and resilience on stage solidified her reputation as a talented and admired figure in the world of ballet.

Louis Duport, a child prodigy, showcased exceptional talent in both dance and the violin from a young age. Mastering classical ballet techniques, he gained recognition for his performances in Charles Didelot's ballets, notably in "Zéphyre et Flore." Duport's career flourished as he became a principal dancer at the Opéra de Paris, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of dance. His artistry and skill captivated audiences, establishing him as a renowned and respected performer in the ballet industry.

Pierre Rigal is a renowned French dancer and choreographer known for his innovative and dynamic performances. Based in Toulouse, France, he has established himself as a leading figure in the contemporary dance scene. Rigal's work often explores themes of movement, space, and human interaction, captivating audiences with his unique blend of physicality and creativity. With a career spanning several years, he has collaborated with various artists and companies, receiving critical acclaim for his boundary-pushing choreography and captivating stage presence.

Jean Babilée was a renowned ballet dancer hailed as one of the greatest male entertainers of the post-war era. Despite his fiery temper leading to numerous brawls, he was celebrated for his free-spirited nature. Known for his exceptional artistry and expressive performances, Babilée captivated audiences with his unique style and innovative choreography. He pushed boundaries in the world of ballet, leaving a lasting impact on the art form. His talent and creativity earned him a place among the most influential figures in dance history.