La Goulue and Valentin the Contortionist

Valentin the Contortionist (1843-1907, real name: Etienne Renaudin) was an enthusiastic dancer, who performed at the Tivoli Vauxhall for his own pleasure, and also worked as master of Ballet at the Valentino, Mabille, and Elys�e-Montmartre. He also danced with La Goulue at the Moulin Rouge, where he enjoyed great success. He appeared alongside La Goulue on the 1891 Moulin Rouge poster, which was posted all over Paris. Through Lautrec his tall, haggard figure in top hat became world famous.