Perini Maria

 

Perini Maria (1873–1939), Italian ballet dancer, who worked in Tbilisi. Born in Turin, Italy. She graduated from the ballet school in Turin. She was the prima ballerina of Turin Royal Opera Theater (1888 – 97). In 1891 – 97 she danced as a guest performer on the stage of Tbilisi Opera Theater. Thanks to her succesful performance, she was offered a permanent employment in Tbilisi. Until 1907 M. Perini was the star ballerina of Tbilisi Opera Theater. She was instrumental in creating Georgian ballet school. In 1916 she founded the first choreographic studio of classical dance. In 1920, the studio was transformed into the ballet School of Tbilisi Opera Theater. Up to 1935, M. Perini was the director of the said school. Till 1937, she worked there as a leading pedagogue. At the same time, in 1935 – 38, she was in charge of choreographic studio affiliated to the Tbilisi Opera Theater.

M. Perini was conducive to bringing up Georgian professional dancers. She trained the first generation of ballet dancers: Tamar and Vakhtang Chabukiani, Maria Bauer, Elene Chikvaidze, Nino Ramishvili, Irine Alexidze and others. In 1937 she attanded the premiere of the first Georgian ballet Heart of Highlands (music by Andria Balanchivadze), which was staged by her disciple Vakhtang Chabukiani.

M. Perini lived in Georgia for over 40 yers. She viewed it as her second homeland. In 1927 Georgian Choreographic Society and Georgian public celebrated the 30thanniversary of her creative activity in Georgia. In 1938 she returned to Italy.

Maria Perini died in Nice, France.