August Bournonville was a prominent Danish ballet dancer and choreographer, born on August 21, 1805, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is best known for developing the Bournonville style, which emphasizes lightness, grace, and expressiveness in dance. His work significantly influenced the development of ballet in Denmark and beyond. Bournonville's most famous ballets include La Sylphide and Napoli, which showcase his unique approach to storytelling through movement. He served as the director of the Royal Danish Ballet for many years, where he promoted the importance of training and nurturing young dancers, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of ballet.