Giovanna Baccelli facts for kids
Giovanna Baccelli, whose real name was Giovanna Francesca Antonia Giuseppa Zanerini, was a famous Venetian ballerina. She lived from 1753 to 1801. Giovanna became the main dancer, known as the principal ballerina, at the King's Theatre in Haymarket, London.
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Early Life of Giovanna Baccelli
Giovanna Baccelli was born in Venice in 1753. Venice is a beautiful city in Italy. She chose to use her mother's last name, Baccelli, as her stage name. This is how she became known to audiences.
Giovanna Baccelli's Dance Career
Giovanna Baccelli started her career at the King's Theatre in Haymarket in 1774. She quickly became the principal ballerina, meaning she was the lead dancer. She was very talented and well-loved by audiences.
Giovanna performed with other famous dancers like Gaetan Vestris and his son Auguste. They appeared in important ballets created by Jean-Georges Noverre around 1780-1781. Her performances were highly praised.
She also danced in Venice in 1783-1784 and at the Paris Opéra in 1788. This shows how popular she was across Europe.
Famous Paintings of Giovanna
Giovanna Baccelli was so famous that important artists painted her. John Sackville, the 3rd Duke of Dorset, was a big supporter of her work. He asked the famous artist Thomas Gainsborough to paint her.
This painting shows Giovanna in a costume from a ballet called Les Amans Surpris. Many people think it is one of Gainsborough's best works. Other artists like Ozias Humphrey, John Graham, and Gainsborough Dupont also painted her.
Giovanna in Paris
In 1783, the Duke of Dorset became the Ambassador to France. He took Giovanna with him to Paris. She was invited to dance at the famous Paris Opéra. This was a great honor for her.
When the Duke received a special award called the Knight of the Garter, Giovanna even wore the award's blue ribbon while dancing.
Giovanna's Family Life
Giovanna Baccelli and the Duke of Dorset had a son together. His name was John Frederick Sackville, and he was born in 1778. After Giovanna and the Duke went their separate ways in 1789, John Frederick was raised by his father. He grew up in Paris and at Knole, a large estate. Sadly, John Frederick passed away in 1796.
Later Life and Death
Giovanna Baccelli continued her life after her dance career. She passed away in 1801.
