# Marie Taglioni > Italian ballet dancer (1804-1884) **Wikidata**: [Q203990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q203990) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Taglioni) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marie-taglioni ## Summary Marie Taglioni was a renowned Italian ballet dancer and choreographer of the Romantic era, celebrated for revolutionizing ballet technique and popularizing pointe work. Born in Milan in 1804, she became an iconic figure in 19th-century dance, best known for her title role in *La Sylphide* (1832), which defined the ethereal style of Romantic ballet. Her innovations and artistry profoundly influenced the development of classical ballet. ## Biography - **Born**: April 23, 1804, Milan, Kingdom of Sardinia - **Nationality**: Italian (citizenship: Kingdom of Sardinia) - **Known for**: Pioneering Romantic ballet and pointe work - **Employer(s)**: Paris Opera Ballet, Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique - **Field(s)**: Ballet, choreography ## Contributions - **Premiere of *La Sylphide*** (1832): A landmark Romantic ballet that showcased her technical mastery and expressive style, establishing her as a leading figure in the genre. - **Pointe Work Innovation**: Popularized dancing *en pointe* as a central element of ballet, transforming it from a novelty into a fundamental technique. - **International Tours**: Performed across Europe and Russia, spreading Romantic ballet and elevating its global prominence. - **Choreographic Influence**: Collaborated on works that emphasized dramatic storytelling and fluid movement, shaping the aesthetic of 19th-century ballet. ## FAQs ### When and where was Marie Taglioni born? Marie Taglioni was born on April 23, 1804, in Milan, which was then part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. ### What was her most famous role? Taglioni’s iconic performance in *La Sylphide* (1832) cemented her legacy, embodying the Romantic ideal of the ethereal, otherworldly dancer. ### Did she invent pointe work? While not the first to dance *en pointe*, Taglioni refined and popularized the technique, making it a hallmark of classical ballet. ### Where did she perform? She danced with the Paris Opera Ballet and toured internationally, including performances in London, St. Petersburg, and Vienna. ### How long was her career? Taglioni performed actively from 1822 until her retirement in 1847, though she continued teaching and choreographing into the 1850s. ## Why They Matter Marie Taglioni redefined ballet as an art form, merging technical precision with emotional expression. Her emphasis on pointe work and dramatic narrative raised the status of female dancers and inspired generations of choreographers. Without her innovations, the trajectory of Romantic and classical ballet—from *Giselle* to modern productions—would lack its foundational elegance and storytelling depth. Her global tours also democratized ballet, making it a universal language of movement. ## Notable For - **Firsts**: Starred in *La Sylphide*, one of the first full-length Romantic ballets. - **Technical Legacy**: Codified pointe techniques still taught today. - **Cultural Impact**: Became an international celebrity, with fans idolizing her to the point of frenzy (e.g., "Taglioni mania"). - **Honors**: A crater on Venus is named *Taglioni* in her honor. - **Burial**: Interred at Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, reflecting her esteemed status in French cultural history. ## Body ### Early Life Born in Milan on April 23, 1804, to Italian choreographer Filippo Taglioni and German dancer Maria Karolina Schick, Marie Taglioni began training under her father’s rigorous instruction. Her early career included performances in Vienna and Munich, where she honed the expressive, dramatic style that would define her work. ### Career Taglioni’s breakthrough came in 1832 with *La Sylphide*, choreographed by her father. Her portrayal of the titular spirit, danced in a white tutu and soft shoes, became synonymous with Romantic-era ideals of weightlessness and mystery. She further solidified her reputation through roles in *L’Élide, ou La rivière de Diamants* (1833) and *La Fille du Danube* (1836), touring these works across Europe. ### Innovations Taglioni’s partnership with her father revolutionized ballet by prioritizing female dancers as dramatic protagonists. Her technical innovations—such as dancing *en pointe* for extended sequences—required custom-made shoes and rigorous training, setting new standards for ballerinas. ### Retirement and Legacy After retiring from the stage in 1847, Taglioni taught in Paris and London, passing her methods to future generations. Her influence extended beyond technique; she redefined ballet as a vehicle for emotional expression, paving the way for later masterpieces like *Swan Lake*. A crater on Venus bears her name, and her grave at Père-Lachaise Cemetery remains a pilgrimage site for dance enthusiasts. ### Cultural Impact Taglioni’s fame transcended the theater: her tours sparked public fervor, with audiences dissecting her performances in newspapers and fans attempting to replicate her movements. This "ballet mania" underscored her role as both artist and cultural icon, bridging high art and popular appeal. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 3. Archivio Storico Ricordi 4. BnF authorities 5. [Source](http://roglo.eu/roglo?lang=en;p=marie;n=taglioni;) 6. LIBRIS. 2012 7. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani 8. International Standard Name Identifier 9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 10. SNAC 11. Find a Grave 12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 13. Taglioni, Marie (BLKÖ) 14. Lord Byron and his Times 15. Österreichisches Biographisches Lexikon 1815–1950 16. Enciclopedia delle donne 17. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia 18. Répertoire International des Sources Musicales 19. NUKAT 20. Sapere Encyclopedia 21. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 22. MAK 23. [Source](https://runeberg.org/nfch/0161.html) 24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 25. Virtual International Authority File 26. IdRef 27. Enciclopedia Treccani 28. Sejm-Wielki.pl 29. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute 30. [Source](http://www.musiklexikon.ac.at/ml/ml-beacon.txt)