1804-1884. Italian dancer. A ballerina of
ethereal style and exceptional lightness, she
was the first to use pointe work, or dancing
on the toes, as an expressive part of ballet
rather than as sheer technique. She created
many roles, including the title role in La
Sylphide 1832, first performed at the Paris
Opera, and choreographed by her father
Filippo (1771-1871). Marie's brother Paolo
(1808-1884) was a choreographer and ballet
master at Berlin Court Opera 1856-83, and his
daughter Marie (1833-1891) danced in Berlin
and London, creating many roles in her
father's ballets.