Beloved Ballerinas from the Past [Slideshow]


Beloved Ballerinas from the Past

Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni. Image: wikipedia.org

Pas de Quatre was a historic ballet because it united four beloved ballerinas from the past. The ballet was choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1845 to Cesare Pguni’s music. It premiered in London on July 1845 with great anticipation.

Who Where These four Beloved Ballerinas from the Past?

The reason for this was that it brought together, on one stage, the four greatest ballerinas of the time. The ballerinas were, in order of appearance, Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni. The order of appearance was done by age, from youngest to oldest, to quelch further confrontations between them.

The fifth great Romantic ballerina of the time, Fanny Elssler, was invited to take part in the gala event but declined to do so; the young Lucile Grahn accepted without hesitation.

Pas de Quatre captured the essence of the Romantic style as the ballerinas danced with demure lightness, delicacy, and poise. The steps demand that each area of classical ballet technique is executed. These areas include adagio movements, petite allegro, grand allegro, fast footwork, graceful changes of position, and the elegant and fluid arm movements that have become a signature element of Pas de Quatre.

Lucile Grahn in Catarina, Act I, Scene I, in London,1846

Lucile Grahn in Catarina, Act I, Scene I, in London,1846

Carlotta Grisi during a 1841 performance of Giselle

Carlotta Grisi during a 1841 performance of Giselle

Cerrito 1849

Cerrito 1849

Marie Taglioni in Zephire

Marie Taglioni in Zephire

Grand Pas de Quatre 1845

Grand Pas de Quatre 1845

Lucile Grahn in Catarina, Act I, Scene I, in London,1846 thumbnail
Carlotta Grisi during a 1841 performance of Giselle thumbnail
Cerrito 1849 thumbnail
Marie Taglioni in Zephire thumbnail
Grand Pas de Quatre 1845 thumbnail

It must have been breathtaking to watch these four beloved ballerinas from the past dancing on stage together.

But since that’s not possible, here’s a more recent version with beloved ballerinas of today: Alicia Alonso, Melissa Hayden, Nora Kaye and Mia Slavenska in this 1960 video.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and viewing the slideshow as much as I enjoyed writing it.  If so, please “Like” us and “Share” this post on your favorite social media site with your friends.

Images from wikipedia.org cc.

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About Romy Macias, Senior Editor

Romy danced with the Ballet Clasico de Queretaro Fernando Jhones for 10 years having reached 1st soloist position. She presently takes on character roles and teaches at the company's junior academy. This site is a testament to her passion for classical ballet. You're invited to be part of our community and join in the joy for this amazing art form.

Comments

  1. Louise Myers says:

    Lovely slideshow! Great job Romy.

  2. Stacey says:

    Hi Romy,
    I’m new to ballet and find your site very inspiring. Can you please elaborate on what Ballet Clasico de Queretaro is. It sounds beautiful.

    Keep up the great work on the articles. I really enjoy reading them.

  3. Amanda says:

    What a lovely slideshow, thanks for sharing!

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