Pierre Lacotte

Pierre Lacotte (4 April 1932 – 10 April 2023) was a French ballet dancer, choreographer, teacher, and company director. He specialised in the reconstruction of lost choreographies of romantic ballets.

Early life Lacotte was born on 4 April 1932, his mother was a musician. As a child, he was interested in dance, and his family reluctantly allowed him to train under . In 1942, he entered the Paris Opera Ballet School, where he was taught by Ricaux, Serge Lifar, and Carlotta Zambelli. He also received private training with Lyubox Yegorova, Rousanne Sarkissian, and Nicolas Zverev. He graduated in 1946.

Career Lacotte joined the Paris Opera Ballet in 1946. In 1950, he originated a major role in Lifar's Septuor. He rose through the ranks, reaching the position of premier danseur in 1953. The following year, hoping to pursue a career in choreography, he left the Paris Opera Ballet and formed his own company, Les Ballets de la Tour Eiffel.

Personal life and death In 1968, Lacotte married fellow dancer Ghislaine Thesmar. He died of sepsis on 10 April 2023, six days after his 91st birthday.