born Nov. 4, 1803, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
died Jan. 15, 1878, Cernobbio, Italy
Italian ballet teacher and writer on the technique, history, and theory of dance.
He danced briefly at the Paris Opéra before being appointed director of the ballet school at Milan's La Scala in 1837, where he would train many of the most brilliant dancers of the 19th century. Among his many innovations, Blasis discovered the technique of spotting (focusing on one spot and snapping one's head around faster than one's body) to prevent dizziness when turning. Many of his teachings still form the basis of classical ballet.