Roma in Danza finishes today after three days of lessons, conferences and performances with dance styles from hip-hop to ballet represented.

The event mimics Milan dance fair, the last edition at the end of last year, drew record crowds.

Yesterday afternoon in the Auditorium Massimo in the EUR zone, saw the arrival of Italy’s legendary dancer Carla Fracci who received an award for her career from ex-dancer and celebrated critic Alberta Testa, remarkably spry in his 89th year.

Fracci took the opportunity to underline the tragedy of the Italian cuts to the arts budget which is hitting ballet more than other areas of theatre.

Opera is traditionally protected in the home of the lirica, and theatre doesn’t need the orchestras and corps that the ballet repertory requires. Fracci observed this at close hand as director of the capital’s ballet company. Her contract came to an end in July of last year after ten years at the helm.

Grand applause not only for her presence but also for her stance. Brava.