Suzanne Douvillier

Suzanne Douvillier
(Madame Placide)
Born
Suzanne Théodore Vaillande

(1778-09-28)28 September 1778
Dole, Jura, France
Died30 August 1826(1826-08-30) (aged 47)
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Occupation(s)Ballerina, choreographer and mime
Years active1792–1826

Suzanne Théodore Vaillande Douvillier (28 September 1778 – 30 August 1826) was a French ballerina, mime and choreographer.[1] Known as Madame Placide during the early years of her career, she is considered by some historians as the first trained ballerina to dance in the United States.[2]

  1. ^ James, Edward T.; James, Janet Wilson (1974). Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary. Cambridge, Massachusetts. pp. 513–514. ISBN 978-0-674-62734-5. Retrieved 30 September 2011.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ Kaufman, Sarah (15 June 2003). "New Orleans & Dance, Partners Again – Memories, Hope Stir Anew in Town That Once Moved in Sync". The Washington Post. p. N01. Retrieved 30 September 2011. It was here that the French-born Suzanne Douvillier, whom historians call the first trained ballerina to dance in the United States, settled in 1799 and choreographed dozens of works.[dead link‍]