Anatole (dancer)

Anatole was the stage name of Anatole Bourman (1866-1949), a Russian-born ballet dancer, ballet master, and choreographer. He is primarily remembered for his association with Anna Pavlova's company, where he served as her principal male dancer and later as a ballet master.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Anatole trained at the Imperial Ballet School. After graduating, he joined the Mariinsky Theatre, but later left to tour extensively with various ballet companies. His career reached its zenith during his time with Anna Pavlova, collaborating on numerous productions and becoming a vital component of her touring company's success.

While specific details of his choreographic works are not widely documented, his contributions to Pavlova's repertoire and his influence as a ballet master are acknowledged within ballet history. He is credited with helping to maintain the quality and artistic integrity of Pavlova's productions during their extensive world tours. After Pavlova's death in 1931, Anatole continued to teach and stage ballets, primarily in Europe and South America. His legacy is tied to his long partnership with Anna Pavlova and his contributions to the dissemination of classical ballet internationally.