Marie Taglioni - Connaught Square, London, UK
N 51° 30.881 W 000° 09.819
30U E 696797 N 5710876
Quick Description: The plaque, to Marie Taglioni, is at the northern corner of the square on the east side.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 6/8/2012 7:10:57 AM
Waymark Code: WMEK90
Views: 2
Long Description:The blue plaque, that is in good condition,
reads:
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London County Council
Marie
Taglioni
1809 - 1884
Ballet Dancer
lived here in
1875 - 1876
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The Arts Alive website (visit
link) tells us:
"Italian-born Marie Taglioni was one of the
most important ballerinas of the 19th century Romantic era. Romanticism was
defined by a rejection of the rationalism of the preceding period. Champions of
Romanticism in the arts believed in the power of emotion, imagination, intuition
and individualism. They were often interested in supernatural characters and
escapist fantasies. Romanticism was also marked by an increase in nationalism in
response to the wars and revolts during the 19th century.
Taglioni, epitomized the Romantic qualities of fragility and lyricism as she
effortlessly danced en pointe. Her rival was the lively and theatrical Fanny
Elssler, a Romantic period dancer, who translated her interest in national folk
dances into popular choreography.
Taglioni's name will forever be synonymous with the character of the Sylph in La
Sylphide, a ballet choreographed for her by her father Filippo Taglioni. The
ballet tells the story of a young Scottish farmer, James, who falls in love with
a sylph on his wedding day and loses his chances for happiness when she dies.
La Sylphide is generally considered to be one of the most representative works
of the Romantic era. The ballet is also important because in it Taglioni, as the
Sylph, wore a costume with a white diaphanous skirt. Known as a Romantic tutu,
the costume became associated with this period."