Zanfretta, Marietta (c. 1837–1898)

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Zanfretta, Marietta (c. 1837–1898)

Italian tightrope dancer. Born c. 1837 in Venice, Italy; died Mar 1898 in New York, NY.

Grew up in family of tightrope performers in northern Italy; appeared early on at Franconi's Theater in Paris; toured US with Carine troupe and appeared at Niblo's in New York City (1858); danced in Martinelli and Manzetti family troupes and was highly acclaimed throughout performance career for performing on point on tightrope, a feat rarely repeated by others; formed own family troupe with daughter and adopted sons.