Fanny Elssler
Austrian ballerina of the Romantic Period, famed for the Cachucha.
Fanny Elssler (born Franziska Elßler; 23 June 1810 – 27 November 1884) was an Austrian ballerina of the Romantic Period. Born in the Gumpendorf district of Vienna, she was trained for ballet from early childhood and made her debut at the Kärntnertortheater before the age of seven. She danced almost always with her older sister Therese, and the two studied under Jean-Pierre Aumer and Friedrich Horschelt, later traveling to Naples to train with Gaetano Gioja. In Naples, Elssler had an affair with Leopold, Prince of Salerno, which produced a son. The sisters’ success there led to an engagement in Berlin in 1830, beginning a series of triumphs for Elssler’s beauty and skill. In September 1834, she joined the Ballet du Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique in Paris, a step she approached with trepidation due to Marie Taglioni’s dominance. The management saw an opportunity in their contrasting styles: Taglioni was known for lightness and leaps, while Elssler excelled in precise, quick steps. Elssler’s performance of the Spanish Cachucha from the 1836 ballet *Le Diable boiteux* was especially celebrated, filled with fire and sensuality. Poet Théophile Gautier called her the “pagan” dancer, contrasting her with Taglioni’s “Christian” style. This success spurred demand for more national dances, and Elssler added a Polish Krakowiak and an Italian tarantella to her repertoire. She also performed dramatically in major Romantic ballets such as *La Sylphide*, *Giselle*, and *La Esmeralda*. In 1840, she toured America with her sister, arranged by Henry Wikoff. In New York, she dined with John Van Buren, son of the president, and in Washington, Congress closed so audiences could attend her show. She was considered the most illustrious Sylphide to perform the role in America, moving many to tears. In New Orleans, she was contracted for two weeks at $1,000 per performance. “Elsslermania” swept the country, with branded products like champagne and cigars. After five more years performing across Europe and Russia, she declined an invitation to Jules Perrot’s *Pas de Quatre* in 1845. That year, having amassed a fortune, she retired near Hamburg. Her sister Therese later married Prince Adalbert of Prussia. Fanny Elssler died in Vienna in 1884.
- born
- 23 June 1810
- died
- 27 November 1884
- field
- Ballet
- nationality
- Austrian
- known_for
- Danse tacquetée, performance of the Cachucha, and dramatic roles in Romantic bal
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Lore & Background
Fanny Elssler was an Austrian ballerina of the Romantic Period, born in the Gumpendorf neighborhood of Vienna. She began ballet training in early childhood and performed at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna before turning seven, often dancing alongside her older sister Therese. Her dancing style was distinguished by precise, quick steps, which contrasted with the light, leaping style of her contemporary Marie Taglioni. This difference was famously characterized by the poet Théophile Gautier, who labeled Elssler a "pagan" dancer due to the fire and sensual life she brought to performances such as the Spanish Cachucha from the 1836 ballet *Le Diable boiteux*, while Taglioni was deemed the "Christian" dancer. Elssler’s success with the Cachucha spurred a demand for ballets with specific national flavors, and she added a Polish Krakowiak and an Italian tarantella to her repertoire. Beyond technical skill, she possessed exceptional dramatic ability, and her portrayals in major Romantic ballets like *La Sylphide*, *Giselle*, and *La Esmeralda* heightened the emotional depth of those characters. Her image was frequently associated with pink satin and black lace, evoking a sensuous Spanish dancer, in contrast to Taglioni’s modest sylph in white. During her career, she performed in Berlin, Vienna, London, Paris, and across the United States, where her tour sparked widespread "Elsslermania," with fans purchasing branded goods. She retired from the stage in 1845 after amassing a fortune and settled near Hamburg, later dying in Vienna.
Reader's Guide
Fanny Elssler's significance lies in her distinct style and her role in the Romantic ballet era. Her performance of the Cachucha, a Spanish dance, was so fiery and sensual that it sparked a demand for more national character dances in ballet, influencing the repertoire of the period. Elssler also brought dramatic depth to major Romantic ballets such as La Sylphide, Giselle, and La Esmeralda, earning her a place among the most talented ballerinas of the era. Her American tour in 1840–1842 generated widespread celebrity worship, with Congress adjourning for her performance and products bearing her name. Despite declining to participate in the famous Pas de Quatre in 1845, her legacy endures as a contrasting yet complementary force to Taglioni, embodying the passionate, earthbound side of Romantic ballet.
Did You Know?
- Fanny Elssler's father Johann Florian Elssler served as valet to Joseph Haydn and was present at Haydn's death.
- She had an affair with Leopold, Prince of Salerno, which resulted in the birth of a son named Franz.
- In Washington D.C., Congress closed so that no one need miss her performance during her 1840 American tour.
- Fans experienced 'Elsslermania,' buying Elssler brand champagne, bread, cigars and other products.
- Poet Théophile Gautier called Elssler the 'pagan' dancer, juxtaposed with Marie Taglioni as the 'Christian' dancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fanny Elssler?
Fanny Elssler, born Franziska Elßler, was an Austrian ballerina who rose to fame during the Romantic Period of ballet. She is best remembered for her dramatic stage presence and her mastery of sharp, rapid footwork.
What was Fanny Elssler famous for?
She became widely celebrated for her execution of the danse tacquetée, a technique built on small, quick steps, and for her fiery rendition of the Cachucha. Her emotionally intense interpretations of Romantic-era roles also distinguished her from peers.
How did Fanny Elssler's style compare to Marie Taglioni's?
While Taglioni was associated with a light, ethereal quality, Elssler brought a more grounded and emotionally charged energy to her performances. Her focus on sharp, precise footwork gave her a distinctly different stage presence from Taglioni's floating grace.
When was Fanny Elssler born and when did she die?
She was born on 23 June 1810 in Austria and passed away on 27 November 1884. Her career placed her squarely in the heart of the mid-nineteenth-century Romantic ballet era.
What nationality was Fanny Elssler?
She was Austrian, born as Franziska Elßler. Her Austrian heritage was a point of pride throughout her international career across European stages.
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