Ballerina. She earned her place in history by creating the title role in "Giselle." One of the greatest ballerinas of the Romantic era. She studied at the La Scala Ballet School in Milan with Claude Guillet and joined the La Scala company corps de ballet in 1829 while still a child. In 1834 the fourteen year old met Jules Perrot, while on tour, later he would become one of the most important influences of her career. He choreographed most of the important ballets she danced in. She became his pupil and his mistress and although they never married she took the name "Madame Perrot." She danced in Paris, London and Vienna during 1836-1837 but didn't really catch the public eye until 1840 when she performed in character dances in the opera "Zingaro" with Perrot. The following year she got a contract with the Paris Opera and her first roles were divertissements in operas. Then, in the summmer of 1841, came "Giselle," choreographed by Coralli and Perrot. Other roles followed including the famous "Pas de Quatre" and "Paquita." Grisi appeared regularly in London throughout the 1840s and was ballerina with the Imperial Theatres in St Petersburg from 1850-1853. Although barley 34 years old she retired from the stage in 1854 and went to Switzerland. Gautier, who wrote the liberettos of 'Giselle' and 'La Peri' for her said "She is nature and artlessness personified." She died in St. Jean a month before her 80th birthday but was unmourned by the thousands who once adored her.
Ballerina. She earned her place in history by creating the title role in "Giselle." One of the greatest ballerinas of the Romantic era. She studied at the La Scala Ballet School in Milan with Claude Guillet and joined the La Scala company corps de ballet in 1829 while still a child. In 1834 the fourteen year old met Jules Perrot, while on tour, later he would become one of the most important influences of her career. He choreographed most of the important ballets she danced in. She became his pupil and his mistress and although they never married she took the name "Madame Perrot." She danced in Paris, London and Vienna during 1836-1837 but didn't really catch the public eye until 1840 when she performed in character dances in the opera "Zingaro" with Perrot. The following year she got a contract with the Paris Opera and her first roles were divertissements in operas. Then, in the summmer of 1841, came "Giselle," choreographed by Coralli and Perrot. Other roles followed including the famous "Pas de Quatre" and "Paquita." Grisi appeared regularly in London throughout the 1840s and was ballerina with the Imperial Theatres in St Petersburg from 1850-1853. Although barley 34 years old she retired from the stage in 1854 and went to Switzerland. Gautier, who wrote the liberettos of 'Giselle' and 'La Peri' for her said "She is nature and artlessness personified." She died in St. Jean a month before her 80th birthday but was unmourned by the thousands who once adored her.
Bio by: Medora
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