Anne-Françoise Bias, known as Fanny Bias ((1789-06-03)3 June 1789 –  (1825-09-06)6 September 1825), was a dancer at the Paris Opera from 1807 to 1825.[1] She was one of the first dancers to use the pointe technique.[2][3]

Fanny Bias
Fanny Bias as Flore in Flore et Zéphire by Charles Didelot
Born
Anne-Françoise Bias

(1789-06-03)3 June 1789
Paris, France
Died6 September 1825(1825-09-06) (aged 36)
Paris
EducationParis Opera Ballet School
OccupationClassical dancer
Years active1807—1825

Biography edit

Bias was born in Paris, France, and trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School under Louis Milon. She made her debut at the opera in 1807 and became one of the most famous dancers of the French Restoration period, together with her friend Émilie Bigottini. Later in her career she became a first soloist at the company.[3]

In 1820 she was a principal in Les Pages du duc de Vendôme by Jean-Pierre Aumer and Adalbert Gyrowetz. She performed in many other productions, including in London.

She retired due to poor health and died in Paris at the age of 36.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ Cohen, Selma Jeanne, ed. (2005). "Fanny Bias". International Encyclopaedia of Dance. Oxford Reference. ISBN 9780195173697. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  2. ^ "A Short History of Ballet". The Australian Ballet. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  3. ^ a b c "Fanny Bias". oxfordindex.oup.com. Retrieved 30 December 2019.