Born: 1936 (Milan, Italy)
Died: 2021
Biography:
Carolina Carla Fracci was an Italian ballet dancer, actress, and ballet director. Born on August 20, 1936, in Milan, she grew up in a working-class family. Her father worked as a tram driver, and her mother was employed at a factory. During World War II, Fracci and her sister were sent to live with relatives in the countryside for safety.
In 1946, Fracci’s mother took her and her sister to the La Scala Theatre Ballet School entrance exam. Despite being told that her body type was unsuitable for ballet, she was accepted as the last student out of 35, primarily because of her physical appearance. Initially, Fracci found ballet training to be boring and burdensome. However, her perspective changed when she was cast as the mandolin in The Sleeping Beauty, where she had the opportunity to perform alongside Margot Fonteyn. From then on, she began working diligently to make up for lost time.
Fracci’s formal training concluded in 1955, and she was chosen along with five other students to participate in the passo d’addio, a farewell performance for the graduates held after an opera performance. This milestone marked the beginning of her professional career.
She joined the La Scala Theatre Ballet soon after graduating and was promoted to soloist the following year. However, her breakthrough came in 1958 when she filled in for Violette Verdy in Rodrigues’ Cinderella. Her performance caught the attention of the ballet world and led to her promotion as a principal dancer. The following year, she danced the title role in Giselle with the London Festival Ballet, solidifying her reputation as a gifted ballerina.
In 1963, Fracci decided to leave La Scala Theatre Ballet due to feeling underpaid and underemployed. She chose to pursue a freelance career and danced with renowned international companies, including the Royal Ballet in London, Stuttgart Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Throughout her career, she partnered with esteemed dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Roberto Bolle, Erik Bruhn, Alexander Godunov, Henning Kronstam, Gheorghe Iancu, and Rudolf Nureyev.
Fracci’s exceptional talent and versatility were showcased through her interpretation of leading characters in Romantic ballets such as La Sylphide, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet. She also performed in contemporary ballets such as Nijinsky and Complete Bell Telephone Hour Performances: Erik Bruhn 19611967.
In addition to her remarkable dancing career, Fracci also transitioned into ballet direction. She directed several ballet companies in Italy, including at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in Rome. Her contributions as a director helped shape the future of ballet in Italy.
Carla Fracci’s impact on the ballet world extended beyond her performances and directing roles. According to Erik Bruhn, she revolutionized the perception of the ballerina in the 19th-century Romantic ballets. Her dedication and hard work set a new standard for aspiring dancers, inspiring generations to come.
Throughout her career, Fracci received numerous honors and awards for her exceptional artistry. Her significant contributions were recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Nijinsky Award, the Legion of Honour from the French government, and the UNESCO Dance Prize, among others.
Carla Fracci’s legacy as one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century is etched in the annals of dance history. Her extraordinary talent, determination, and artistic vision continue to inspire and influence the world of ballet. Although she passed away on May 27, 2021, her impact on the art form and her contributions to women’s history will forever be cherished and celebrated.
Awards:
– Nijinsky Award
– Legion of Honour
– UNESCO Dance Prize