Francoise Prevost (1680-1741)

Francoise Prevost (1680-1741) made her debut in Lully's Aty's Opera. She succeeded Mlle Subligmy as premiere danseuse. She was the foremost prima ballerina for 30 years. Her lightness, elegance and expressiveness were much admired. She also was the first to use music not especially composed for dancing. She taught at the Academie Royale. Her most famous students were Camargo and Salle. Her jealousy of her students success caused them to leave her for Blondy. Prevost retired in 1730.

(First published March 1991)

Smoking, too much sun, and bad ballet training will kill you in time.