Pierre Lacotte Obituary, Death – The news that Pierre Lacotte had passed away was received by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo with a great deal of regret and sadness. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Ghislaine Thesmar, to whom we offer our unwavering support and sincere affection. Our company, Compagnie, was founded in 1985 on the initiative of Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Hanover, and Pierre Lacotte and Ghislaine Thesmar served as the company’s initial directors. Both Pierre Lacotte and Ghislaine Thesmar are extremely important figures in my personal life. They were the first people to invite me to Monaco in 1986 to present a new production of my ballet, La Symphonie des Adieux. Pierre Lacotte will be remembered for all time as the creator of this ballet, the name of which, on this tragic day, comes to have its full meaning.
Shortly after that, I was given the privilege of being asked once more to compose the ballet Le Mandarin Merveilleux, which was performed by Ghislaine Thesmar and is something of which I have a vivid memory. I had no idea at the time that, as a result of them, I would soon find myself working on a piece for a company where I would go on to hold the position of Choreographer and Director. They, along with Her Royal Highness The Princess of Hanover, are the builders of a goal that is still being pursued to this day, and I will be eternally thankful to them for this.
Pierre possessed a personality that was really engaging and charming.
Everyone at the company who worked with him or knew him will always have a special place in their hearts for him. Everyone recalls the priceless moment in 1992, when I requested him to stage again L’Oiseau de Feu and L’Après-midi d’un Faune as part of a Ballets Russes evening. It was a part of the evening that was called “Ballets Russes.” Everyone was blown away by “The Archaeologist of the Dance World”‘s brilliance, which was only surpassed by his generous nature. One of the most important personalities in the history of academic dance, Pierre Lacotte, has passed away. He was able to transmit his knowledge to the dancers of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in a way that was both loving and intelligent. After thirty years, a few of them have evolved into some of my most trusted business partners. We honor our friend’s legacy by working together, as a group.
Choreographer and Artistic Director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Jean-Christophe Maillot.