The French School of ballet began in the court
ceremonies of the French monarchs. Louis XIV studied with the famous ballet
master Pierre Beauchamp and established the first academy of dancing, known as
the Académie Royale de Musique et de Danse, in Paris in 1661. The École de Danse
de l'Opéra was founded in 1713 and is now known as the École de Danse du Théâtre
National de l'Opéra. Among its most famous ballet masters were Beauchamp, Pécour,
Lany, Noverre, G. and A. Vestris, M. and P. Gardel, F. Taglioni, Mazilier,
Saint-Léon, Mérante, Staats, Aveline and Lifar. The French School was known for
its elegance and soft, graceful movements rather than technical virtuosity. Its
influence spread throughout Europe and is the basis of all ballet training.
