Maurice Béjart (1927–2007) was a French choreographer, dancer, and teacher. He is best known for his innovative and influential works that blended ballet, modern, and folk dance. He was the founder of the Ballet of the 20th Century, which he created in 1987 in Brussels, Belgium. He created a unique blend of classical and modern dance that made him one of the most influential choreographers of his time. Throughout his career, he choreographed over 200 ballets and received numerous awards for his work. He is remembered for his groundbreaking works that challenged audiences and pushed the boundaries of dance.
Early Life
and Education
Maurice Bejart was born in Marseille, France in 1987. He was the son of a wealthy businessman and a banker. He showed a talent for dance from an early age and studied the Royal Academy of Dance from the age of 7. He also studied ballet and contemporary dance at the Paris Opera Ballet.
Maurice Bejart was known for his innovative and creative approach to dance. He developed a style of dance that was unique and that combined elements of ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. He was also highly respected for his choreographic skills. He choreographed more than 200 ballets in his lifetime, and his works were performed by many of the world’s leading ballet companies.
Maurice Bejart was highly acclaimed for his work, and he received numerous awards and honors for his achievements. He was appointed the director of the Ballet of the 20th Century in Brussels in 1987. This company later became the Maurice Bejart Ballet Lausanne. He also founded his own school, the International School of Ballet Maurice Bejart in 1989.
Maurice Bejart passed away in 2007 after a long battle with cancer. He was buried in Marseille, France. Even after his death, his works continue to be performed and his legacy lives on.
Rise to Stardom
Maurice Bejart was an incredible dancer, choreographer, and director of the 20th century. He was born in Marseilles, France, in 1927 and began his career as a dancer at the age of 16. He quickly rose to stardom, performing on stage and in films, and becoming one of the most influential figures in ballet and modern dance.
Bejart’s career was characterized by his innovative choreography and creative collaborations. He was known for his ability to blend ballet with contemporary music and other forms of dance, such as African and Latin American. His work was often daring and challenging, pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet.
The height of Bejart’s fame came in 1987, when he founded the Ballet du XXe Siècle, based in Brussels, Belgium. This ballet company was highly successful, and toured internationally for more than 20 years. Bejart’s works were performed in over 200 cities around the world, and he became an internationally renowned artist.
Maurice Bejart left a lasting legacy in the world of ballet, and his innovative choreography and creative collaborations continue to be celebrated. His works inspired a new generation of dancers, and his choreography is still performed today. His life and career are a testament to his incredible skill and passion for dance.
Notable Works
Maurice Bejart is often considered one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, and his notable works have been performed all around the world. Bejart was best known for his unique use of space, his use of modernist techniques, and his integration of popular and classical music. He created a wide range of works, both in ballet and modern dance, often with a touch of humor.
One of Bejart’s most famous works is The Rite of Spring (1959), a ballet based on the eponymous musical composition by Igor Stravinsky. The ballet was an instant success, with its combination of unusually large and emotive sets, and its use of varied physical dynamics. Bejart also choreographed works for other famous composers, such as Mozart’s Don Giovanni (1963), and Ravel’s Bolero (1969). He was also involved in a number of non-musical productions, such as the play Don Juan (1962) and the film Madame Curie (1963).
Bejart’s works were groundbreaking, and influenced choreographers and dancers all around the world. He pushed the boundaries of the art form, and created works that were both innovative and entertaining. His works have been praised for their energy and beauty, and many have been performed and celebrated for decades. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of choreographers and dancers for many years to come.
Legacy and Awards
Maurice Bejart is a renowned choreographer, considered to be one of the most influential figures in modern dance. His career spanned over sixty years and he created over fifty ballets. He was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the French Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit. In addition, he was the recipient of numerous international awards, from countries such as the United States, Japan, and Italy.
Throughout his career, Bejart was able to transcend cultural boundaries and create a legacy of dance that will be remembered for centuries to come. He was known for his bold and innovative choreography, which often blended traditional and modern dance techniques. He also had a passion for creating ballets that explored the beauty of the human body and the power of emotion.
Bejart’s legacy was recognized with multiple awards, including the Grand Prix National de la Dance and the Prix de Choreographic International. His works continue to be performed around the world, and he has been recognized as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. Bejart’s award-winning ballets are still considered timeless classics, and his influence continues to shape contemporary dance.
Personal Life
Maurice Bejart was born on January 1st, 1927, in Marseille, France. He was the second of three children born to Pierre Bejart, a doctor, and Marie Bejart, a homemaker. Growing up, Maurice had an affinity for the arts, especially dance and music. From an early age, he was exposed to the works of renowned choreographers and composers. He would later go on to attend the Paris Conservatoire to further pursue his passion for dance.
Throughout his life, Maurice Bejart was married three times. He first married Monique Boisseau in 1951, with whom he had two children. He later married the American dancer Sharon Farrell in 1972, and they had two children together. He then married his third wife, Isabelle Laffon, in 1982. Despite the multiple marriages, Maurice and Isabelle remained together until his death in 2007.
Apart from his professional achievements, Maurice Bejart was a devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and regularly took them on trips to explore different cultures. He was also passionate about traveling and exploring different countries, and loved to experience new cultures. Maurice’s dedication to his family and passion for the arts live on through his legacy.
Final Years
Maurice Bejart’s final years were marked by a continuing evolution of his art. He sought to bring together all aspects of dance, theatre, music, and culture, blending them into a unique choreographic style. His works were an exploration of the human condition, expressing the joy, sorrow, and complexities of life. He collaborated with many musical artists, such as Leonard Bernstein, and created a number of operas, ballets, and other works. He also wrote several books about his life and his artistic evolution over the years. In his final years, he continued to mentor young dancers and choreographers, inspiring them to create art that transcended boundaries. His legacy lives on in the works of his students, who continue to influence the modern dance world.
FAQs About the Maurice Bejart Biography
Q1: Who is Maurice Bejart?
A1: Maurice Bejart was a French/Swiss choreographer who was the founder of the Ballet of the 20th Century. He was known for his innovative, unique choreography and his use of a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, and rock music.
Q2: What awards did Maurice Bejart win?
A2: Maurice Bejart won the Prix de la Ville de Paris in 1962 for his ballet “The Seventh Symphony”. He was also awarded the Prix de la Biennale de la Danse in 1989 and the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 1998.
Q3: What are some of Maurice Bejart’s most famous works?
A3: Some of Maurice Bejart’s most famous works include “The Rite of Spring”, “Symphonie pour un Homme Seul”, “The Firebird”, and “Bolero”. He also choreographed the musical “The Lion King” and the opera “Carmen”.
Conclusion
Maurice Bejart was a revolutionary choreographer who completely changed the landscape of ballet and modern dance. He was known for his creative choreography, his groundbreaking collaborations, and his ability to make ballet accessible to a wider audience. His influence can still be seen in the dance world today. Maurice Bejart truly was a pioneer in the art of dance.
