Les Ballets des Champs-Elysées

French ballet company

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June 18, 2026

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Les Ballets des Champs-Élysées was a French ballet company founded in 1945. It was instrumental in the creation of the company by Roland Petit, who served as its principal dancer, ballet master, and choreographer until 1947.1

The company was known for its dramatic ballets that blended fantasy with contemporary realism. Petit's choreography was often angular and acrobatic, incorporating mime, occasional singing, and props. Notable works from this period include Les Forains (1945), La Croqueuse de diamants (1950), and Carmen (1949). Dancers such as Jean Babillée, Colette Marchand, Leslie Caron, and Renée Jeanmaire rose to prominence with the company.1

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Roland Petit
…Petit was instrumental in creating Les Ballets des Champs-Elysées, where he remained as principal dancer, ballet master, and choreographer until 1947. 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…
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…Petit was instrumental in creating Les Ballets des Champs-Elysées, where he remained as principal dancer, ballet master, and choreographer until 1947. 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…
Read More