Jean Babilée, French dancer and choreographer (d. 2014)

Jean Babilée: The Enigmatic "Enfant Terrible" of French Ballet

Jean Babilée, born Jean Gutmann (3 February 1923 – 30 January 2014), was an undeniably prominent French dancer and choreographer whose revolutionary impact significantly shaped the landscape of ballet in the latter half of the 20th century. Celebrated for his extraordinary athleticism, intense dramatic presence, and a unique blend of classical technique with raw, expressive energy, Babilée is widely regarded as one of modern ballet's most formidable performers. He was also trailblazing as the first French dancer to achieve truly widespread international acclaim, captivating audiences globally with his innovative artistry. His often rebellious and boundary-pushing approach to dance earned him the fitting moniker, the "enfant terrible of dance," a title that underscored his unconventional genius and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.

Early Life, Training, and Wartime Courage

Born in Paris in 1923, the son of a physician, Jean Babilée embarked on his formal dance training at the highly esteemed Paris Opéra Ballet School, where he studied from 1936 to 1940. This foundational period provided him with a rigorous classical education, yet his burgeoning career faced an abrupt and perilous interruption with the onset of World War II. As a Jewish individual on his father's side, Babilée became a target of the escalating anti-Semitic policies under the Nazi occupation and the Vichy regime.

In 1940, as the Wehrmacht advanced on Paris, he prudently left the city. However, his profound dedication to dance saw him return to perform with the Paris Opéra Ballet in early 1942. This return put him in immense danger, and he narrowly escaped the horrific Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris on 16 July 1942, a notorious mass arrest of Jews orchestrated by French police for deportation to Nazi extermination camps. In early 1943, to evade compulsory deportation to Germany for forced labor under the Service du travail obligatoire (STO), Babilée again left Paris. He bravely spent the remainder of the war actively involved with the French Resistance, fighting with the Maquis, a rural guerrilla movement, in the Touraine region. This harrowing period undoubtedly forged a resilient spirit and a profound depth of character that would later infuse his artistic performances.

Post-War Renaissance and Iconic Roles

Following the cessation of hostilities, Babilée immediately resumed his dance career. He joined the Soirées de la Danse, which soon evolved into the seminal Les Ballets des Champs-Élysées. It was during this period that Jean Gutmann adopted his mother's maiden name, Babilée, for professional recognition. Les Ballets des Champs-Élysées, a company celebrated for its avant-garde approach and instrumental role in the post-war ballet renaissance, became a primary stage for Babilée's greatest successes, alongside his work with Les Ballets de Paris.

From 1945 to 1950, he served as the principal dancer for Les Ballets des Champs-Élysées, where he was central to the creation of many groundbreaking roles. To "create a role" means he was the original performer, shaping its interpretation for all subsequent dancers. His notable creations included:

In numerous productions, he shared the stage with his wife, the celebrated ballerina Nathalie Philippart, forming a powerful artistic partnership. The 1940s cemented Babilée's reputation for unparalleled physical prowess. Audiences and critics alike marvelled at his incredible aerial ability, often remarking that he could leap higher and with greater control than any dancer since the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky. A testament to his extraordinary commitment and physicality was his performance in the 1946 premiere of Le Jeune Homme et la Mort, where he famously hung by his neck on a gallows for a full minute, supported solely by wrapping one arm around a pillar – a chilling and unforgettable display of dramatic intensity.

Later Career and Enduring Legacy

Throughout the 1950s, Babilée continued to expand his influence, performing as a highly sought-after guest artist with prestigious companies such as Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris and the American Ballet Theatre. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own company, Les Ballets Jean Babilée, further showcasing his artistic vision. Beyond performing and choreography, he also took on leadership roles, serving as the director of the Ballet du Rhin in Strasbourg from 1972 to 1973, demonstrating his broader commitment to the art form.

Even in his later years, Babilée remained a profound source of inspiration. In the early 1980s, the internationally renowned choreographer Maurice Béjart, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century dance, created the solo work Life specifically for him. Remarkably, in 1984, at the age of 61, Babilée reprised his iconic role in Le Jeune Homme et la Mort with the Ballet de Marseille, a testament to his enduring power, technique, and the timeless impact of his most famous portrayal.

Beyond the realm of ballet, Jean Babilée's artistic talents extended to the stage and screen, where he also appeared as a stage actor and in several films, demonstrating his versatility. His extraordinary career and profound impact were comprehensively documented in the 2000 film Le Mystère Babilée (The Babilée Mystery). Directed by Patrick Bensard, this acclaimed documentary meticulously reconstructs Babilée's multifaceted career through insightful interviews with the dancer himself, evocative excerpts from his choreographic works, and poignant recollections from esteemed observers and collaborators. These included Maurice Béjart, celebrated fashion designer Christian Lacroix, renowned artist and photographer Jean-Paul Goude, and the legendary ballerina Yvette Chauviré, all of whom underscored the depth of his artistry and his indelible mark on French and international culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jean Babilée

Who was Jean Babilée?
Jean Babilée was a highly influential French dancer and choreographer (1923-2014), considered one of the greatest performers of modern ballet. He was known for his exceptional athleticism, dramatic intensity, and innovative style, often referred to as the "enfant terrible of dance."
What was Jean Babilée's most famous role?
Babilée is most renowned for his iconic portrayal in Roland Petit and Jean Cocteau's 1946 ballet, Le Jeune Homme et la Mort (The Young Man and Death). His performance, especially the physically demanding and dramatically intense gallows scene, became legendary.
How did World War II impact Jean Babilée's career?
As a Jewish individual, Babilée's dance career was significantly interrupted during WWII. He narrowly escaped the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris and avoided forced labor by joining the French Resistance and fighting with the Maquis until the end of the war.
Which ballet companies was Jean Babilée associated with?
Babilée gained prominence as a principal dancer with Les Ballets des Champs-Élysées and Les Ballets de Paris. He also performed as a guest artist with Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris and the American Ballet Theatre, and later formed his own company, Les Ballets Jean Babilée.
What made Jean Babilée a "modern ballet" pioneer?
Babilée combined classical training with a daring, expressive, and intensely dramatic approach. He pushed the boundaries of ballet, embodying the psychological depth and athleticism required by modern choreography, making him a central figure in the post-war evolution of the art form.