Léon Espinosa
Leon Espinosa (1825–1903) Born in The Hague, the Netherlands of Spanish parents. Léon 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.
Léon became one of the most extraordinary dancers of his period. He became popular with Paris audiences before moving to Moscow where he worked with the legendary Marius Petipa. In 1872 he moved to London where he continued to dance, while producing at Covent Garden and many theatres worldwide. He also taught and became a much sought-after teacher.
One anecdote has Léon captured by Native Americans in 1850 when he was on tour in the USA.The Encyclopedia of Dance & Ballet
Woolborough House in London was the Espinosa family home from 1913. On the formation of the British Ballet Organization, it became the Headquarters of the organisation until they moved in 2015 to their new home at Battersea Reach. Many famous students studied with Espinosa at Woolborough House, including Phyllis Bedells and Ninette de Valois. In 1932 a studio was built alongside the house which has continued to host classes and BBO examinations and provides rehearsal space for many leading dance companies and professional artists.
Léon Espinosa was the father of Edouard Espinosa, father-in-law of Eve Louise Kelland and grandfather of Edward Kelland-Espinosa and Yvette Espinosa.
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