[Dance] Taglioni, Marie. (1804-1884) . Original 1837 Sylphide Broadside. Original advertisement, in an 1837 'Theatrical Observer' pamphlet, for a performance of the most celebrated role of the most famous Italian ballerina of the Romantic ballet era, a central figure in the history of European dance. Five years after her father (and teacher) had created the role for her in 1832, this performance also featured her brother Paul and his wife, Amalie Galser Taglioni.


The Theatrical Observer was a British theatre review and guide printed by E & J Thomas in London. This particular issue has additional advertisements for productions at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane and the St. James Theatre and is framed in a two-sided frame so that all four pages are visible. The paper measures about 8 1/2" tall and 11" wide. It is in good overall condition with yellowing and discoloration, and a few very small bits missing from the edges.


"Her frail physique was schooled relentlessly by her father, the ballet-master Filippo Taglioni (1777–1871), to develop a style distinguished by lightness, grace and modesty, by the use of point-shoes for artistic effect, and by unusual elevation and delicacy on landing. Her freer, more graceful movement, enhanced by a new style of costume with a diaphanous, bell-shaped skirt and fitted bodice, gave a fresh purpose to the art of dance in the theatre. It enabled it to become more poetic and imaginative, an art of illusion rather than illustration." (Grove Online)