June 28
Born Today:
Carlotta Grisi
Best known for originating the role of Giselle, ballerina Carlotta Grisi (1819-1899) danced with Jules Perrot (1810-1892), the co-creator of the famous ballet. It was Grisi’s first full-length ballet and it made her a star. She relocated to St. Petersburg to dance for Perrot and the versatile dancer created roles in La Péri (1843), Paquita (1844), and Pas de Quatre (1845) before retiring from the stage at the height of her career at the age of 34.
Also Born Today: Triple-threat Aileen Quinn (1971-) is best known for her starring role in the movie version of Annie (1982). Ballroom dancer Lacey Schwimmer (1988) is best known for appearing on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance in 2007, dancing with her brother Benji Schwimmer (1984-) and several seasons of Dancing with the Stars.
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Ballet Premiere: The Romantic Era ballet Giselle first premiered in 1841 at the Paris Opera, on Grisi’s birthday.