Elssler, Fanny (fä`nē ĕl`slər), 1810–84, Austrian dancer. The youngest daughter of Johann Elssler, copyist and valet of Haydn, she made her debut (1833) in London. She danced at the Paris Opéra (1834–39) and in London (1838–40). Her forte was folk dancing, especially of the cachucha, the cracovienne, and the tarantella. She toured (1840–42) the United States and after appearances throughout Europe retired in 1851. She was one of the most important ballerinas of the Romantic era; her dancing was sensuous, earthy, and fired by great energy. Her sister, Thérèse, often supported her as partner.

Elssler, Fanny

(born June 23, 1810, Vienna, Austria—died Nov. 27, 1884, Vienna) Austrian ballerina. She studied in Vienna and toured in Europe before making her Paris Opéra debut in 1834. Her warm, spirited style, contrasting with the cool, academic style of the then-reigning Marie Taglioni, made her an immediate success. She introduced theatricalized folk dance (character dance) into ballet. During 1840–42 Elssler toured the U.S., earning wild adulation. She returned to Europe and toured until her retirement to Vienna in 1851.