Jules Perrot

Jules Perrot (1810–1892) was a French dancer and choreographer widely regarded as one of the greatest male dancers and most gifted choreographers of the Romantic era. He trained under Auguste Vestris and became one of the most celebrated virtuosos of his age, partnering Marie Taglioni and later Carlotta Grisi. He co-choreographed Giselle (1841) at the Paris Opéra alongside Jean Coralli, creating the title role variations for Carlotta Grisi, with whom he had a long personal partnership. His other major works include Pas de Quatre (1845) — a celebrated divertissement bringing together the four great ballerinas of the age, Taglioni, Grisi, Cerrito, and Grahn — and La Esmeralda (1844). He worked at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and subsequently as ballet master of the Imperial Ballet in St Petersburg. His contributions to the staging and choreographic content of Giselle are considered foundational to the work as it is known today.