Arthur SaintLon, a renowned French choreographer and ballet master, is best known for creating the iconic choreography for the beloved ballet Coppélia, a staple of the classical ballet repertoire. As the Maître de Ballet of the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet from 1859 to 1869, SaintLon left an indelible mark on the world of dance, showcasing his mastery of storytelling through movement.
Born Charles Victor Arthur Michel on September 17, 1821, in Paris, France, SaintLon was encouraged by his father, a dance master for the court and theatre ballet, to pursue a career in music and dance. SaintLon's early training included studying violin with Joseph Mayseder and Niccolò Paganini, as well as ballet to enable him to perform as both a violinist and dancer.
At the tender age of 17, SaintLon made his debut as a first demicharactère dancer at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. His exceptional talent and versatility soon led him to tour across Europe, performing in Germany, Italy, and England. The London audience, notorious for its skepticism towards male dancers, was particularly enamored with SaintLon's remarkable tours and impressive jumps.
During his time in Vienna, SaintLon had the opportunity to dance with the renowned ballerina Fanny Cerrito, and the two eventually married in 1845. SaintLon choreographed several ballets for Cerrito, including the hit production La Vivandière in 1843, which premiered in London. Their partnership on and off stage was highly acclaimed, with SaintLon creating bespoke ballets for Cerrito's performances.
SaintLon went on to become a teacher at the master class of the Paris Opéra, where he was responsible for choreographing divertissements for the company's most prominent ballet productions. He also created works for the Teatro La Fenice in Venice and the Paris Opéra. In 1859, SaintLon succeeded Jules Perrot as the Maître de Ballet of the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet, a position he held until 1869.
SaintLon's impressive career contributed significantly to the development of classical ballet. His choreography for Coppélia, first performed in 1870, remains a cornerstone of the ballet repertoire. SaintLon's innovative approach to storytelling through movement, combined with his skill as a violinist, has inspired generations of dancers, choreographers, and ballet enthusiasts.
SaintLon's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of ballet. His legacy continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day, cementing his place as one of the most influential choreographers in the history of classical dance.
