Born: 15 April 1710, Belgium
Died: 1770
Country most active: France
Also known as: La Camargo
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
In the art of dancing, La Camargo was such an outstanding priestess that her name will never be forgotten. As a child, she was brought to Paris by the Princess de Ligne and, in spite of her noble origin, prepared to dance at the Opera.
Her teacher was so jealous of her that she refused to give her an opportunity to appear in public. One day, however, when one of the leading dancers was absent, La Camargo rushed out on the stage, danced and aroused such enthusiasm that she immediately reached stardom. Her life was one of constant adventure and enchantment; innumerable lovers fought duels on her account, and she gained the favor of Richelieu, Duclos, D’Aubigny and Voltaire.
Spending lavishly, smiling, loving and dancing, so she lived until her retirement from the stage. Then she had only a small pension but she accepted the reverses of fortune with great dignity, and devoted the rest of her life to charity.