Born: 1933 (Pont-l’Abbé, France)
Died: 2016 (Indiana, United States)
Biography:
Violette Verdy, born Nelly Armande Guillerm on December 1, 1933, and passed away on February 8, 2016, was a renowned French ballerina, choreographer, teacher, and writer. She left an indelible mark on the world of ballet through her incredible talent, artistic collaborations, and trailblazing career. Verdy worked as a dance company director with the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet in France and the esteemed Boston Ballet in the United States. However, it was her time as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet that truly solidified her status as one of ballet’s most legendary figures.
Verdy joined the New York City Ballet in 1958 and remained a principal dancer until 1977. During her tenure, she had the honor of performing in the world premieres of numerous works created specifically for her by esteemed choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Verdy’s exquisite technique, musicality, and natural elegance brought these choreographies to life in a way that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Born in Pont-l’Abbé, a charming seacoast town in Brittany, France, Verdy’s passion for dance manifested at a young age. Her mother, Jeanne Chateaureynaud, a schoolteacher, recognized her daughter’s boundless energy and enrolled her in dance lessons. Verdy, considered a prodigy, began her ballet training at the tender age of eight, during the challenging period of the German occupation of northern France.
To provide the best possible training for her daughter, Verdy’s mother relocated them to Paris, where Verdy continued her studies with esteemed teachers such as Carlotta Zambelli, Madame Rousanne Sarkissian, and Victor Gsovsky. Verdy made her professional debut in 1945 as part of the corps de ballet in Roland Petit’s Le Poète at the Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt in Paris. This marked the beginning of her journey towards global recognition and acclaim.
In 1949, Verdy’s talent and potential caught the attention of German cinema director Ludwig Berger, who cast her as the leading role in his film Ballerina, released in Europe in 1950 and known as Dream Ballerina in America. Berger insisted that she adopt a stage name, and it was Roland Petit who suggested the name Violette Verdy, evoking both the beauty of a flower and the revered composer Giuseppe Verdi.
Verdy’s sincere acting and pure classical ballet technique in Ballerina garnered critical praise, leading her to secure contracts with several European ballet companies. She danced with renowned troupes such as Ballets des Champs-Élysées, Ballet de Marigny, and Les Ballets de Paris de Roland Petit. It was with Les Ballets de Paris that Verdy created the role of the heroine in Petit’s Le Loup (The Wolf) in 1953, accompanied by the music of Henri Dutilleux. This performance marked a significant turning point in her artistic development as an interpreter.
Verdy’s musicality, precision, and wit became widely recognized throughout her career. Her artistry transcended borders as she toured the United States with Les Ballets de Paris in 1953 and London Festival Ballet from 1954 to 1955. She also appeared in leading roles with the ballet company of Teatro alla Scala in Milan from 1955 to 1956. These experiences solidified her international status as a ballet luminary.
In addition to her illustrious performing career, Verdy also dedicated herself to teaching and choreography. She served as a Distinguished Professor of Music (Ballet) at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, in Bloomington. Verdy’s knowledge and expertise inspired and shaped the next generation of dancers and allowed her to leave a lasting imprint on the art form.
Verdy’s contributions to the world of ballet were recognized and celebrated by the French government, who awarded her two prestigious medals. Her impact on the art form, her dedication to her craft, and her influence on aspiring dancers around the world cemented her legacy as one of the most renowned ballerinas of her time.
Violette Verdy’s life was a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and dedication. Her extraordinary talent captivated audiences and inspired fellow artists. Through her performances, choreography, and teaching, Verdy leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of ballet. Her unyielding pursuit of excellence and her pioneering spirit continue to serve as an inspiration to future generations of dancers and choreographers.
Awards:
– Two medals from the French government.