Throwback Thursday and Auguste Vestris
Auguste Vestris (1760-1842) is a significant link in a
veritable dance dynasty. He studied with
his father Gaetano Vestris, who studied with the famous Dupré. Auguste’s mother was dancer Marie Allard.
According to one account, (http://michaelminn.net/andros/biographies/vestris_dynasty/),
Gaetano was “conceited beyond belief”, which “may have been a family trait”. Be that as it may, Auguste’s ability as an
extremely talented dancer was recognized early, and
despite being somewhat knock-kneed, his elevation was extraordinary. Soon he was considered Europe’s
greatest dancer.
But his most important legacy is that of being a teacher. His pupils included: Didelot, Perrot, and
Bournonville to name just a few. So his
knowledge was passed on to many who went on to become great teachers themselves. So his influence continues today.
The above portrait of Vestris was recorded as “Portrait of a
Young Man” in the 1888 annual report of the National Gallery. It wasn’t until 1946, when the portrait (and
its history) was more closely scrutinized, that its subject was identified as being more
than just "a young man". It was Auguste Vestris, and the work was originally titled “Vestris the Dancer”.
When Vestris was 75 years old he danced a minuet with his
student Marie Taglioni.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #28:
“Auguste Vestris was a dancer and teacher who trained many great
teachers. Therefore his legacy lives on
today.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“Anything looked at closely becomes wonderful.”
-A.R. Ammons
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