1/8/16 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Pas de Quatre’ – Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Ghislaine Thesmar and Eva Evdokimova

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Pas de Quatre, originally choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1846 to music by Cesare Pugni, caused a sensation with both critics and public at its London premiere in 1847. One reason for its success was that it brought together four of the greatest ballerinas of the time. In order of appearance in the work, the ballerinas were Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni, with this order being according to age. This cast only performed four times together.  Continue reading

3/13/15 Shall We Dance Friday: Excerpts From The Ballerinas (1987) – Starring Carla Fracci

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In The Ballerinas, a sumptuously produced two-part ballet drama, Fracci places her rare artistry in the service of dance history as she recreates roles first premiered by such luminous ballerinas as Marie Taglioni, Emma Livry, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Elssler, Giuseppina Bozzacchi, Carlotta Brianza, Matilde Kschessinska, Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina and Olga Spessitzeva. Continue reading