Throwback Thursday and Pierina Legnani
Pierina Legnani was born in Italy in 1863. She was known for
her technical brilliance and more than one account says she is responsible for
inspiring Russian dancers to develop the bravura technique they are known for
today.
But her fame is forever tied to fouettés. It was in 1893 in
the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg that Pierina Legnani wowed audiences
with thirty-two of them. She originated this now famous series of whipped turns,
and first performed the feat in London. In 1895 Legnani created the double role
of Odette-Odile in the Petipa and Ivanov
version of Swan Lake.
She stayed in Russia until 1901, and was given the title of Prima
Ballerina Assoluta, an honor that had been bestowed only once before, to ballerina
Mathilde Kschessinska. After leaving the country, Legnani continued to perform
in France, London and Italy until 1910.
Pierina Legnani died in Italy in 1923. She was 60 years old.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Secret #15p:
“Pierina Legnani was
the first to perform thirty-two fouettés.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“You never miss the water until the well
runs dry.”
-
Unknown old saying
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