August Bournonville

Antoine August Bournonville (Known as "Bournonville")

Ballet Master, Choreographer, Dancer, Creator of the Bournonville Technique and La Sylphide

Born 1805-08-21

Copenhagen, Denmark

Passed Away 1879-11-30 Copenhagen, Denmark

Lifespan 74 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Ballet is an art of radiant joy; technique must remain invisible beneath grace and human lightness."

Archival Overview

Master Danish ballet dancer and choreographer who directed the Royal Danish Ballet for nearly fifty years, creating the Bournonville method and romantic ballets like La Sylphide and Napoli.

Biographical Record

Antoine August Bournonville was born on August 21, 1805, in Copenhagen, the son of French ballet master Antoine Bournonville. After training at the Paris Opéra under Auguste Vestris, he returned to Copenhagen in 1830 as ballet master and principal choreographer of the Royal Danish Ballet.

Bournonville developed the world-renowned Bournonville technique, distinguished by effortless buoyant jumps (ballon), quick beaten footwork, understated upper-body grace, and equal virtuosity for male and female dancers. He choreographed over fifty ballets, including La Sylphide (1836), Napoli (1842), and A Folk Tale (1854), creating an unbroken classical tradition that remains the crown jewel of Danish performing arts.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Asminderød Kirkegård
Fredensborg, Denmark

                         GPS: 55.9700, 12.4200                    

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