Ballets de Paris de Roland Petit

French ballet company

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June 18, 2026

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Les Ballets de Paris de Roland Petit was a French ballet company founded by dancer and choreographer Roland Petit in 1948. Petit's ballets were known for their blend of fantasy and contemporary realism, often incorporating mime, occasional singing, and modern props.

The company, which had several iterations between 1948 and 1958, toured extensively in Europe and the United States. Notable dancers who emerged from Petit's companies include Jean Babillée, Colette Marchand, Leslie Caron, and Renée Jeanmaire, whom Petit married in 1954. Some of his most popular works include Carmen (1949), Le Jeune Homme et la mort (1946), and La Croqueuse de diamants (1950).1

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Roland Petit
In 1948 he formed the Ballets de Paris de Roland Petit (1948–50, 1953–54, 1955, and 1958), which made several tours of Europe and the United States. Dancers who rose to prominence in his companies include Jean Babilée, Colette Marchand, Leslie Caron, and Renée (“Zizi”) Jeanmaire, whom he married in 1954.
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In 1948 he formed the Ballets de Paris de Roland Petit (1948–50, 1953–54, 1955, and 1958), which made several tours of Europe and the United States. Dancers who rose to prominence in his companies include Jean Babilée, Colette Marchand, Leslie Caron, and Renée (“Zizi”) Jeanmaire, whom he married in 1954.
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