Léon Espinosa (1825–1904)[1] was a Dutch-Spanish ballet dancer. He became the first in a long line of dancers and dance teachers, making the name Espinosa "recognised worldwide as one of the most important influences in the development of dance and training of dancers."[2]

Early life

Espinosa’s early interest in dance was encouraged by a succession of outstanding teachers including Jean Coralli, Filippo Taglioni, and Jules Perrot during his time at the Paris Opéra Ballet.

Personal life

In 1825,[1] Espinosa was born in The Hague, Holland to Spanish Jewish parents.[3]

Espinosa married and had six children (Eduard, Marius, Leo, Judith, Ray, and Lea), all of whom became dancers and dance teachers.[1]

Eduard married Eve Louise Kelland, with whom he had two children: Edward Kelland-Espinosa and Yvette Espinosa.[1] Eduard became a Maître de Ballet for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Empire Theatre, and Alhambra Theatre.[4] He also established the Association for Operatic Dancing (later the Royal Academy of Dance), as well as the British Ballet Organization.[5]

Judith "performed as prima ballerina at Alhambra Theater, London, under Carlo Coppi."[6]

Both Judith and Lea ran ballet schools in London and overseas. They also served as major examiners for the Royal Academy of Dance.[5]

Espinosa died in 1904.[1]


Career

Espinosa trained at the Paris Opera Ballet school and danced at the Théâtre de la Porte-Saint-Martin.[1] After touring the United States, he joined the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow as premier danseur de contrast[1] and worked with Marius Petipa. While in Russia, he also danced with the Imperial Maryinsky Theatre.[5]

In 1872, Espinosa moved to London where he continued to dance and eventually opened a dance school.[1][2]

Bibliography

  • Espinosa, Leon (1977). The Encyclopedia of Dance & Ballet. London: Pitman Publishing. ISBN 0-907408-63-X.
  • Espinosa, Leon (1981). World Ballet. London: Albany Books. LCCN 81-80489.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Espinosa, Edouard". Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  2. 1 2 "History". BBOdance. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  3. ↑ "Edouard Espinosa and the world of early British ballet". Vintage Pointe. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  4. ↑ "Theatre Heritage Australia - Betty Pounder: The centenary of a remarkable life (Part 1)". www.theatreheritage.org.au. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  5. 1 2 3 "History". London Studio Centre. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
  6. ↑ "Espinosa, Judith (1877–1949)". Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2022-01-04.
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