Born: 1762
Died: 1834
Biography:
Giovanna Bassi (17621834) was an Italian ballerina who spent the majority of her career in Sweden. She was regarded as the prima donna of the Swedish Ballet during the Gustavian age.
Giovanna Bassi was born in Italy as the daughter of the Italian ballet dancer Angela Bassi. She was the sister of the architect Charles (Carlo) Bassi (17721840), who lived active in Sweden and Finland, where he had been raised since the age of eleven. Giovanna Bassi was the student of Jean Dauberval and debuted on the stage of the opera in Paris, France.
In 1783, Giovanna Bassi was employed at the Royal Swedish Ballet in the Royal Swedish Opera in Sweden, where she was to spend the rest of her career. Bassi is mentioned in the famous diary of Hedwig Elizabeth Charlotte of Holstein-Gottorp.
Bassi’s technique was entirely according to the classic Italian style of ballet, and she was capable of performing the hardest movements within this style. At her debut in Stockholm, the applause was loud enough to outdo the thunder, and caused what was to be referred to as the Bassi fever.
She was described as a proud person with a noble manner and admired for her beautiful, black hair and her strong, limber body. Among her notable roles were Cecile in La Rosiere de Salency by Jean Marcadet with Antoine Bournonville, Judith Christina Brelin and Jean Marcadet, Ninette a la Tour by M. Gardel in the 178687 season, and Nadine in Le Triomphe de la Constance by Jean Marcadet with Giuseppe Bartolomei, Antoine Bournonville, Jean Marcadet, and Carlo Caspare Simone Uttini (178788).
Giovanna Bassi became a prominent figure in the world of ballet and was not only a talented dancer but also a mentor for many Swedish dancers. She took on pupils and became the mentor of notable dancers, such as Ulrika Åberg and Margaretha Christina Åbergsson. She also gave dancing classes for girls from the upper classes.
In addition to her ballet career, Bassi occasionally performed as an actor at the French Theatre. Her talent and dedication to her craft brought her wealth and success. Initially earning a salary of 9,000 livres, she had a fortune of 30,000 riksdaler at the time of her retirement.
Private life:
Giovanna Bassi had a daughter named Johanna Fredrika (17871810), who was presumed to be fathered by Count Adolf Fredrik Munck af Fulkila, with whom she had a relationship. Rumors persisted that the count was the true father of King Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden, and Bassi’s daughter was said to have a strong resemblance to the King, suggesting that he might have been her half-brother.
Furthermore, Bassi’s daughter was believed to be the inspiration for the character Tintomara in the famous novel Drottningens juvelsmycke by Carl Jonas Love Almquist. In the novel, Tintomara is portrayed as the half-sibling of King Gustav IV Adolf and the offspring of Count Adolf Fredrik Munck af Fulkila.
Giovanna Bassi’s legacy as an accomplished ballerina and mentor has left an indelible mark on the Swedish Ballet and the world of dance. Her contributions to the art form continue to inspire and influence aspiring dancers to this day.