Born: 1975 (Zumaia, Gipuzkoa)
Biography:
Lucía Lacarra is a renowned Spanish ballet dancer who has made a significant impact on the world of dance. Born on March 24, 1975, in the Basque town of Zumaia, Gipuzkoa, Lacarra discovered her passion for dance at an early age. However, it wasn’t until the age of 10 when a ballet school opened in her hometown that she received formal training in dance.
Lacarra’s talent and dedication were evident from the start, and her potential was recognized when she participated in a summer course run by Rosella Hightower. She further honed her skills by studying for three years under the guidance of Mentxu Medel in San Sebastián. Lacarra’s talent and passion led her to Víctor Ullate’s school in Madrid, where she joined forces with other dance legends such as Tamara Rojo and Angel Corella.
At the age of 15, Lacarra became a member of Ullate’s Ballet de Victor Ullate, where she showcased her exceptional abilities in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante and other modern abstract ballets. Her talent continued to flourish, and Lacarra moved on to become a principal with Roland Petit’s Ballet de Marseille. During her time there, she had the privilege of dancing the leading Esmeralda in Petit’s Notre Dame de Paris and played significant roles in seven other ballets choreographed by Petit, such as Le Guépard and Le jeune homme et la mort.
In 1997, Lacarra joined the esteemed San Francisco Ballet, where she had the opportunity to perform in a wide range of classical and contemporary works. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of the title role in Helgi Tómasson’s Giselle in 1999. It was at the San Francisco Ballet that she met Cyril Pierre, a French dancer, whom she married in 1998. Their partnership both on and off stage added an extra layer of magic to their performances.
In 2002, Lacarra made a significant career move by joining the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany, as a principal dancer. She continued to partner with Cyril Pierre and together, they embarked on guest performances around the world, mesmerizing audiences with their incredible chemistry and artistry. Lacarra’s talent and versatility have been showcased in various productions, including John Neumeier’s Illusions – Like Swan Lake, where she created the roles of Princess Natalia and Princess Odette. She also portrayed Katharina in John Cranko’s The Taming of the Shrew and Hippolyta/Titania in Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Lacarra’s dedication to her craft and her exceptional talent have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2002, she received the prestigious Nijinsky Award for her outstanding contributions to the world of ballet. The following year, Lacarra was honored with the Prix Benois de la Danse as the best female dancer for her remarkable performance as Tatjana in Cranko’s Onegin. In 2011, she was named the Dancer of the Decade at the World Ballet Stars Gala in Saint Petersburg, solidifying her status as one of the most significant dancers of her generation.
Lucía Lacarra continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her unparalleled skill, captivating performances, and unwavering passion for ballet. Her dedication and achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of dance and serve as an inspiration for aspiring dancers everywhere.
Awards:
– Nijinsky Award (2002)
– Prix Benois de la Danse (2003)
– Dancer of the Decade (2011)