Arthur Saint-Léon

Definition

Arthur Saint-Léon was a French ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher who played a crucial role in the development of ballet during the Romantic period. He is best known for his innovative choreography and for creating the iconic ballet 'La Sylphide,' which is considered one of the seminal works of Romantic ballet and showcases the ethereal qualities and themes of longing characteristic of this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur Saint-Léon was born in 1821 in Bordeaux, France, and trained at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School.
2. He introduced a more expressive style of dance that highlighted the emotional content of choreography, contributing to the evolution of ballet as an art form.
3. Saint-Léon also developed a unique system of notation for ballet choreography, allowing for the preservation and teaching of dance works.
4. His work on 'La Sylphide' not only established new standards for character development in ballet but also influenced subsequent ballets focused on supernatural themes.
5. After his career as a dancer and choreographer, Saint-Léon became a respected teacher and served as a director at several ballet schools throughout Europe.

Review Questions

• How did Arthur Saint-Léon's approach to choreography influence the evolution of Romantic ballet?
  • Arthur Saint-Léon's choreography brought a new level of expressiveness to dance during the Romantic period. He focused on conveying emotions and narratives through movement, as seen in his famous ballet 'La Sylphide.' This emphasis on character development and thematic depth set a precedent for future ballets, shaping how stories could be told through dance and enhancing the overall impact of ballet as an art form.
• Discuss the significance of 'La Sylphide' within the context of Romantic ballet and its reflection of Romantic ideals.
  • 'La Sylphide' is significant as it embodies the core themes of Romantic ballet, including longing, nature, and the supernatural. Choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon in 1832, it explores the tragic love story between a mortal man and an ethereal being. This ballet's focus on emotional depth and its dream-like atmosphere mirror the Romantic ideals of individuality and emotional expression, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Romantic dance repertoire.
• Evaluate Arthur Saint-Léon's contributions to ballet notation and how they have impacted modern ballet training.
  • Arthur Saint-Léon's development of a system for ballet notation was revolutionary for preserving choreography in a structured way. This system allowed future generations to study and recreate his works accurately, bridging the gap between choreographer intent and dancer execution. His contributions have significantly impacted modern ballet training by providing a methodical approach to learning complex movements and ensuring that key elements of choreography can be passed down effectively through time.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, influencing various art forms including literature, painting, and dance during the 19th century.

La Sylphide: A ballet choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon in 1832 that tells the story of a young Scotsman who falls in love with a supernatural being, exemplifying the themes of Romantic ballet.

Ballet d'action: A style of ballet that emphasizes storytelling through dance, incorporating expressive movements to convey emotions and narratives, heavily influenced by the works of choreographers like Saint-Léon.