Charles Dancla was a French violinist, composer, and teacher. He was born in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France, on December 19, 1817. He studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he won first prize in violin in 1833. He went on to have a successful career as a violinist, performing all over Europe. He was also a prolific composer, writing over 100 works for violin, including concertos, sonatas, and chamber music. In addition, he was a respected teacher, and taught at the Paris Conservatory for over 30 years.
Dancla was a leading figure in the French violin school, and his students included many of the most famous violinists of the 19th century, such as Pablo de Sarasate and Émile Sauret. He died in Tunis, Tunisia, on October 10, 1907.
Dancla was a technically brilliant violinist, and his playing was characterized by its purity of tone and its expressiveness. He was also a gifted composer, and his works are still performed by violinists all over the world.