Born: Around 1854
Biography:
Lucia Cormani was a 19th and early 20th-century Italian ballet dancer and one of the founders of the Royal Academy of Dance. Although her life is not well-documented, she made significant contributions to the world of ballet and left a lasting impact on the art form.
Lucia was born around 1854 and her precise birthdate remains unknown. She was known for her tall, muscular frame, which was quite distinctive among ballerinas of her time. Despite not being cast in the most famous female roles, Lucia’s name appeared on posters of ballet performances in various cities, including Berlin, Brussels, St Petersburg, Guatemala, Boston (1883), and New York City (1884). These performances showcased her talent and versatility as a dancer.
One of Lucia’s notable achievements was her portrayal as the Premiere Danseuse Assoluta in the ballet Cinderella; Or, Ladybird, Ladybird, Fly Away Home at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London in 1889. This role highlighted her exceptional abilities and showcased her as a leading dancer.
Throughout her career, Lucia had the opportunity to take on different roles, including those typically designated for men. Due to her tall and muscular physique, she was often cast as a travesty dancer, where she portrayed male characters such as a pirate chief in the ballet Algeria in 1887 and a sorcerer in Enchantment. While these roles were sometimes added for dramatic effect, Lucia’s talent and skill brought a unique flair to the performances.
Despite her success on stage, Lucia’s greatest accomplishments came as a choreographer. From around 1893 to 1911, she choreographed numerous productions, displaying her creativity and innovation. One notable choreographic work was her production of Carmen for the Alhambra Theatre in London in 1903. Lucia utilized the stage at the Alhambra since she did not have a studio of her own. Her choreography captivated audiences and showcased her mastery of the art form.
Apart from her performances and choreography contributions, Lucia also dedicated herself to teaching. In 1920, she collaborated with four other influential dancers – Adeline Genée, Tamara Karsavina, Edouard Espinosa, and Phyllis Bedells – to establish the Association of Teachers of Operatic Dancing, later known as the Royal Academy of Dance. These five dancers represented the principal dance training methods of the time, with Lucia representing the Italian school. Their collaboration aimed to standardize dance education and promote the highest standards of dance pedagogy.
Lucia’s students benefited from her expertise and guidance. In 1923, the Association organized the first Annual Matinée, featuring ten of Lucia’s students performing a tarantella. Her dedication to teaching ensured the perpetuation of her knowledge and technique.
Lucia Cormani’s contributions to ballet are significant. Her talent as a dancer and choreographer, along with her role in founding the Royal Academy of Dance, solidify her place in ballet history. Despite the limited documentation of her life, Lucia’s legacy lives on through her students and the impact she made on the art form.