Chauviré, Yvette, 1917–2016, French ballerina. She joined the corps de ballet of the Paris Opéra Ballet in 1931, was made a principal dancer in 1937, and attained the rank of étoile in 1941. Chauviré worked closely with the company's director, Serge Lifar, and starred in several of his ballets, including Istar (1941), Suite en Blanc (1943), and Les Mirages (1947). She was most identified, however, with the title role of Giselle, which she danced for the first time in 1944 and in her last appearance with the company in 1972. In addition to her flawless technique, Chauviré was noted for her lyricism and classic line, influenced by two Russian teachers, Victor Gsovsky, who created Grand Pas Classique for her, and Boris Kniaseff. After she retired from the company in 1956, she danced as a guest artist with it and other major companies. Chauviré was one of the few ballerinas to be recognized as a prima ballerina assoluta.
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