Fanny Cerrito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fanny Cerrito
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Fanny Cerrito.
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| Born |
Francesca Cerrito
11 May 1817 |
| Died | 6 May 1909 |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | dancer, choreographer |
Francesca "Fanny" Cerrito (born May 11, 1817 – died May 6, 1909) was an Italian ballet dancer and choreographer. A choreographer is someone who creates dance routines. Fanny was famous for her strong, lively, and brilliant dancing. She was also one of the few women in the 1800s to be known for her skill in creating ballets.
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Early Life and Training
Fanny Cerrito was born in Naples, Italy. She learned ballet at the San Carlo Opera House ballet school. Later, she studied with famous teachers like Carlo Blasis and French choreographers Jules Perrot and Arthur Saint-Léon. Arthur Saint-Léon later became her husband from 1845 to 1851.
Fanny first performed on stage in 1832. She quickly became well-known for her talent.
Rising to Fame
Between 1836 and 1837, Fanny's fame grew beyond Italy. She performed in Vienna, where she also showed off some of her own choreographed dances. From 1838 to 1840, she danced with the La Scala in Milan, gaining even more attention.
In 1843, Fanny Cerrito and Marie Taglioni danced in the same show in Milan. This was a very exciting event! The city even became divided between fans of these two amazing rival ballerinas.
Creating Her Own Ballets
While in Milan, Fanny started working with Jules Perrot. Together, they created several ballets, including Ondine, ou La naïade (1843), Alma (1842), and Lalla Rookh (1846).
In 1845, Fanny's skill as a choreographer was truly recognized. She presented her own ballet called Rosida.
Success in London
From 1840 to 1848, Fanny Cerrito was a highly respected dancer at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. She performed there for nine seasons. A famous chef named Alexis Soyer even created a special dessert in her honor! It was shaped like a dancer balanced on a sugar spiral.
The Famous Pas de Quatre
In 1845, Fanny Cerrito danced in a very famous ballet called the Pas de Quatre. She performed with three other legendary ballerinas: Marie Taglioni, Carlotta Grisi, and Lucile Grahn.
It was tricky to decide who would dance when. Lucile Grahn, being the newest, agreed to dance first. Marie Taglioni was offered the last spot, which was the most desired. However, Carlotta Grisi and Lucile Grahn both wanted to dance before the other. The opera manager, Benjamin Lumley, had to be very clever. He announced that the older dancer should go last among the middle two. Fanny Cerrito was actually older, but she didn't want to claim this "prize" and dance last!
