The historical reenactment of Il Principe e la Ballerina di Nisporto (The Prince and the Ballerina of Nisporto) is a fascinating and romantic summer event that comes to life in the splendid bay of Nisporto, in the municipality of Rio. The event celebrates an intense and legendary love story from the second half of the 19th century between the Russian Prince Anatole Demidoff and the famous French ballerina Fanny Elssler.
History and Legend
Anatole Demidoff, a famous and wealthy patron of the arts with a deep passion for Elba (and founder of the Napoleonic Museum of San Martino), chose the secluded bay of Nisporto as his residence of choice, building an elegant villa there. It was in this dreamlike setting, overlooking the sunset, that the Prince lived an intense love story with Fanny Elssler, one of the most famous and ethereal ballerinas of European Romanticism.
Legend has it that to visit her beloved without sparking the gossip of the era, the artist secretly disembarked on the beach of Nisporto, carried on the shoulders of two local sailors inside a large basket.
The Reenactment
Every summer, the beach and small square of Nisporto transform into an evocative open-air stage from a bygone era. The reenactment revives the 19th-century atmosphere through a parade in period costumes, Risorgimento-era dances, historical reenactors, and the spectacular arrival of the ballerina by sea onto the beach, welcomed by the Prince.
The evening continues with dance shows, musical performances, and tasting opportunities, offering residents and tourists the magic of a summer night suspended between history, myth, and romance.
Useful Information
When it takes place: In the month of August.
Where it takes place: Nisporto beach and seafront (Municipality of Rio).
Type of event: Historical reenactment, dance, and performance.
Don’t miss: The arrival of the “ballerina” by sea onto the beach and the dance performances in period costumes.
