Today is the 80th birthday of the Italian ballerina, Carla Fracci.
She was born in Milan on 20 August 1936.
To celebrate we asked fellow ballerinas, as well as actresses and designers she has worked with, for messages and best wishes on a very special day.
with thanks to
Merrill Ashley – Aurora Benelli – Rebecca Bianchi – Sabrina Brazzo – Rossella Brescia – Deborah Bull – Paola Cantalupo – Carolyn Carlson – Ileana Citaristi – Laura Comi – Petra Conti – Liliana Cosi – Anna Crespi Morbio – Lorella Cuccarini – Lisa-Maree Cullum – Oriella Dorella – Maria Eichwald – Alessandra Ferri – Lorena Feijóo – Lorna Feijóo – Loredana Furno – Mara Galeazzi – Gilda Gilati – Letizia Giuliani – Annamaria Grossi – Cynthia Harvey – Marcia Haydée – Jane Hermann – Millicent Hodson – Rosalia Kovacs – Oksana Kucheruk – Giulia Lazzarini – Anita Magyari – Nicoletta Manni – Simona Noja – Luciana Novaro – Agnes Oaks – Anna Maria Prina – Genesia Rosato – Pompea Santoro – Lina Sastri – Iride Sauri – Luciana Savignano – Isabel Seabra – Antoinette Sibley – Luisa Spinatelli – Franca Squarciapino – Gaia Straccamore – Elisabetta Terabust – Anbeta Toromani – Franca Valeri
Introduction by Sergio Mattarella – President of Italy
Gentile signora Fracci,
Le giungano da parte mia e di tutti gli italiani i più sentiti auguri di buon compleanno!
Desidero manifestarLe i sensi della mia stima personale, insieme all'apprezzamento per il grande impegno che sempre l'ha contraddistinta e che con sacrificio, dedizione, studio, uniti ad innati portamento ed eleganza, hanno fatto sì, partendo dalla Scuola della Scala di Milano, che il suo talento La consacrasse come una delle più grandi danzatrici.
Le sue magistrali interpretazioni di ruoli romantici e drammatici, da Giselle a Giulietta a Francesca da Rimini, sono stati portati sui palcoscenici di tutto il mondo, contribuendo al consolidamento della sua fama e al prestigio di un'artista che ha scritto la storia della danza mondiale e che ha saputo legare la sua immagine, indissolubilmente, anche a quella di donna determinata e generosa, sempre in prima linea nella solidarietà e nella difesa dei diritti.
La ringrazio, signora Fracci, per aver contribuito a far conoscere e amare il balletto, non solo nei teatri più importanti del mondo, ma anche nei tendoni e nelle piazze, per averci donato momenti straordinari, assecondando e illustrando la particolare vocazione del nostro paese all'arte. L'omaggio resoLe con l'attribuzione della medaglia d'oro ai Benemeriti della Cultura ha sottolineato la riconoscenza che le dobbiamo per la sua opera.
Dear signora Fracci,
Both I and the Italian people send you our warmest wishes for a happy birthday!
I would like to express my own personal esteem, along with the appreciation for the great commitment that always has distinguished you. Sacrifice, dedication and study, combined with innate poise and elegance, have meant — starting from the La Scala Ballet School in Milan — that your talent has consecrated you as one of the greatest dancers.
Your masterful interpretations of romantic and dramatic roles, from Giselle to Juliet to Francesca da Rimini, have been seen on stages all over the world, helping to consolidate your reputation and the prestige of an artist who has written the history of dance the world over; an artist who has known how to tie her image, inextricably, to that of a determined and generous woman, always at the forefront in solidarity and the defence of human rights.
Thank you, signora Fracci, for helping to make ballet better known and loved, not only in the most important theatres in the world, but also in the marquees and town squares, for regaling us with wonderful moments, strengthening and explaining the particular vocation of our country to art. In recognition, we award you the Gold Medal of the Italian Republic for Services to Culture to show the gratitude we owe for your work.
Merrill Ashley
New York City Ballet
I had always wanted to dance Duo Concertante and when Carla called and asked me to perform it in Verona with Nikolaj Hübbe I was overjoyed. It was an unforgettable experience not only because I was able to dance a special ballet, but because it gave me the chance to get to know Carla better on a personal level. She has always been an inspiration. Happy Birthday Carla!
Aurora Benelli
Carla Fracci Ballet Company
Definire Carla Fracci un'icona della danza sarebbe impreciso e riduttivo. Il pensiero guida ogni suo gesto con naturale armonia, senza fronzoli ed eccessi mentre lucidamente abbraccia lo spazio del palcoscenico riempiendolo interamente. Carla è un'artista di prima grandezza capace di donare completamente il suo corpo e la sua mente al personaggio per farne vivere ogni sera sentimenti ed emozioni in modo nuovo, diverso, mai ripetitivo.
To define Carla Fracci as a dance icon would be vague and simplistic. Thought guides her each gesture with natural harmony, without frills and excesses as she knowingly embraces the entire stage, filling it completely. Carla is an artist of the first order, capable of giving her body and mind totally to each character allowing feelings and emotions to be fresh each night, different, never repetitive.
Rebecca Bianchi
Rome Opera Ballet
Ho iniziato la mia carriera grazie alla signora Fracci che mi ha voluto all'Opera di Roma, la sua esperienza ha arricchito il mio percorso e porterò sempre con me l'esempio del suo grande Amore per la danza. Una donna forte e dolce. Tanti auguri!
I began my career thanks to signora Fracci who wanted me at the Rome Opera Ballet, and her wisdom enriched my path and I will always carry with me her great love of dance. A woman who is both strong and gentle. Many best wishes!
Sabrina Brazzo
La Scala Ballet
Auguri e Grazie Carla… Pur essendo immensamente eterea, una donna forte e pratica… Sempre presente nella mia vita, fonte di ispirazione professionale ed artistica, ma anche a livello personale di vita e di famiglia, grazie all'unione con il Maestro Menegatti e al figlio Francesco.
Best wishes and thank you Carla… Despite being immeasurably ethereal you are also a strong and practical woman… Always present in my life, a source of professional and artistic inspiration, but also on a personal level of life and family, thanks to your marriage to Maestro Menegatti and for your son Francesco.
Rossella Brescia
Ballerina and Television Presenter
Ballare con lei è stata un'esperienza unica! (Franca Florio, Teatro Massimo di Palermo). Riempie il palco con la sua presenza; straordinaria interprete, semplicemente DIVINA!
To dance on stage with you was an unforgettable experience! (Franca Florio, Teatro Massimo, Palermo, Sicily). You fill the stage with your presence; extraordinary interpreter, simply DIVINE!
Deborah Bull
The Royal Ballet
It was late in my career that I received an invitation to dance as a guest artist in Rome, in a bill made up of ballets by Vaslav Nijinsky, restaged by Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer. I was to perform the Chosen Maiden in Le Sacre du Printemps and as one of two ballerinas in Jeux. The other was, of course, Carla Fracci. I remember calculating at the time that our combined ages totalled some 105 years and I felt that together we were striking some sort of blow for the older dancer. Not that you would have known it, to see bird-like Carla, with her delicate ankles, fine bones and timelessly beautiful face.
From the moment she arrived in rehearsal (in fur coat and heels, not needing to do more than walk through the choreography) to the moment I left, I never lost my sense of awe: a feeling that in dancing with Carla – who occupies such a special place in 20th century ballet – I was myself becoming part of the golden thread of ballet's history. The two women in Jeux have a special, yet ambiguous relationship, a relationship that gained in intensity in every performance, and I can clearly recall the commitment in her gaze. But perhaps my strongest memory is of Sacre: that moment in the ballet when the Chosen Maiden is left alone for her sacrificial dance. As the stage stilled and the music momentarily paused, Carla slipped into the front wing and settled down to watch. In an unforgettable reversal of roles, a ballerina to whom I had always looked up was now sitting on the floor, looking up and watching me.
Happy birthday Carla. Thank you for the special memories and wishing you many more.
Paola Cantalupo
Monte-Carlo Ballet, Director Ecole Supérieure de Danse Cannes Rosella Hightower
Carla è stata semplicemente il mio idolo e la mia ispirazione.
Quanto l'ho ammirata, osservata e amata come artista, quando ero ancora una bimba alla Scuola di Ballo della Scala, durante tutta la mia carriera e ancora quest'oggi!
A 12 anni ho avuto la fortuna di essere scelta da Beppe per un servizio fotografico al suo fianco. Carla è stata l'ispirazione che ha accompagnato il mio sviluppo di giovane artista. Poi durante la mia carriera ho avuto delle belle opportunità di ballare al suo fianco e l'ammirazione è sempre rimasta viva.
Quest'anno Carla ci ha fatto un meraviglioso regalo, è venuta a Cannes a dare un coaching per il secondo atto di Giselle che ho voluto rimontare per lo spettacolo della Ecole Superieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower. È stata per i nostri ragazzi un'esperienza indimenticabile e per me l'occasione per ammirare ancora una volta le sue qualità di grande artista oltre che la sua generosità.
Grazie Carla per quello che ha dato alla Danza e a tutti noi.
Auguri affettuosi a Carla da Paola e Peter!
Carla has quite simply been my idol and my inspiration.
How much I admired her, observed her and loved as an artist, when I was just a little girl at the La Scala Ballet School, then during my career and still today!
When I was 12 I had the fortune to be chosen by Beppe for a photo shoot with her. Carla was the inspiration that accompanied me during my growth as a young artist. Then, during my career, I had some wonderful opportunities to dance by her side and my admiration for her continued unabated.
This year, Carla gave us a wonderful present when she came to Cannes to coach the second act of Giselle that I remounted for the Ecole Superieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower. It was an unforgettable experience for our students and for me an opportunity to admire once more her great qualities as an artist as well as her generosity.
Thank you Carla for all you have given the world of Dance and all of us.
Warmest wishes to Carla from Paola and Peter!
Carolyn Carlson
Dancer, Choreographer and Writer
I see a young woman
leaping through visionary airs
turning speeds of imagination
a perfect landing
standing on the light…
Beautiful.
destiny so quietly speaking in her ear
“Carla, for this you were born”
listening:
she feels
she knows
she is the Dance Itself
Grace and Elegance
rising above the weight of the world
she poses in a lens of posterity
80 years of perseverance, dedication
Poetry
invitations of Love
invitations of Performance
her gifts to heal with soul
her body illuminating presence
her legacy forever in motion
still listening to the call…
carry on
My dear beautiful Carla,
I salute you in Celebration and Love
with a thousand burning candles
flowers showering down from the sky
artistry beyond words
suspended without definition
Carolyn Carlson
Ileana Citaristi
Odissi Dancer
When, in 1997, I received a call from Beppe Menegatti (“I am Carla Fracci's husband,” he said over phone) asking me if I was interested in taking part along with 6 other Indian dancers in his production The Talisman to be staged at Teatro Verdi in Padua, I could not believe my ears. To be able to share the stage with Carla, an inspiration since my childhood, whom I thought I would never be able to meet personally if not in my dreams! And the dream came true not only once but again in Menegatti's productions I Have a Dream staged at Teatro Massimo, Palermo and The Bad Boys of Piano at Teatro Nazionale, Rome.
And then having the possibility to know her more intimately, to invite her for food, to share lovely moments and to have her witnessing one of my Odissi performances in Rome, everything sounds like a dream even now! It is with a lot of love and admiration that I wish her my best wishes on the occasion of her 80th birthday; let her dance continue to inspire and uplift us for many, many years to come!
Laura Comi
Rome Opera Ballet
Invio a Carla Fracci i miei più affettuosi auguri! È sempre vivo in me il ricordo delle numerose esperienze lavorative vissute con lei: artista dallo straordinario talento e animata da una grande passione e determinazione. Mi ha trasmesso molti insegnamenti favorendo la mia crescita artistica in un periodo molto importante della mia carriera di danzatrice. Buon compleanno Carla!!!
I send Carla Fracci my very warmest wishes! I'll never forget the many experiences we've shared professionally: an artist of extraordinary talent propelled by great passion and determination. She has taught me a great deal, encouraging my artistic growth in a period extremely important during my dancing career. Happy birthday Carla!!!
Petra Conti
La Scala Ballet, Boston Ballet
Un grande augurio ad una donna speciale, un mito vivente, che ha fatto la storia della danza italiana nel mondo e che è e sarà sempre una fonte di ispirazione per me e per le nuove generazioni di ballerine. Buon Compleanno!
Un abbraccio, Petra
Very many best wishes to a special woman, a living legend, who has shaped the history of Italian dance all over the world, and who is, and always will be, a source of inspiration for me and for new generations of dancers. Happy Birthday!
Fond wishes, Petra
Liliana Cosi
La Scala Ballet
Forza, vai avanti così.
Wishing you strength to carry on as you always have.
Anna Crespi Morbio
President and founder of La Scala Friends Association
Il corpo può invecchiare ma lo spirito non invecchia mai. La danza non ha età.
The body may grow old but the spirit never does. Dance has no age.
Lorella Cuccarini
Dancer and Television Presenter
Buon compleanno Carla, mio mito di sempre!
Ricordo ancora una tua meravigliosa Giselle, a fianco di Rudolph Nureyev, al teatro dell'Opera. Era il 1980. Uno spettacolo indimenticabile per una quindicenne appassionata che, con te, ha sognato di ballare sui palcoscenici più importanti. Grazie per tutte le emozioni!
Happy birthday Carla, forever my hero!
I remember one of your wonderful performances of Giselle, alongside Rudolph Nureyev, at the Rome Opera House. It was 1980. An unforgettable performance for an enthusiastic 15-year-old who, with you, dreamt of dancing in famous theatres. Thank you for all the emotions!
Lisa-Maree Cullum
Berlin State Ballet, Bavarian State Ballet
Dearest Carla,
I want to wish you a very ‘Happy Birthday' and hope you have a wonderfully special day surrounded by friends and family.
I would also like to thank you for inviting me into your home in past years, for giving me the honour of sharing the stage with you and for teaching me a most valuable lesson: “Lisa-Maree, a ballerina never leaves the theatre with wet hair.”
With all my love and eternal gratitude, Lisa-Maree Cullum xxxx
Oriella Dorella
La Scala Ballet
La danza ha la fortuna di averti! Io ho l'onore di ammirarti e di aver condiviso tanti bellissimi momenti sul palcoscenico e nella vita. Buon compleanno Carla… con grande stima ed affetto. Un bacio, Oriella.
‘Dance' is fortunate to have had you! I've had the privilege to admire you and to share many wonderful moments both on stage and in life. Happy birthday Carla… with respect and love. Kisses, Oriella.
Maria Eichwald
Bavarian State Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet
All the best wishes to one of the most wonderful and admirable ballerinas in the world. The Giselle of Carla was for me inspiration and artistic perfection. It was a big pleasure to watch and to learn from her.
Happy birthday, with much love and respect, Maria Eichwald
Lorena Feijóo
National Ballet of Cuba, San Francisco Ballet
Let's celebrate a true diva's life and career, and all her contribution and legacy to the dance world… the effortless Giselle of all times.
Happy birthday Carla, we love you!!
Lorna Feijóo
National Ballet of Cuba, Boston Ballet
Quien no recuerda su Giselle , Grand pas de Quatre y muchísimos inolvidables ballet que quedarán en la memoria de todos para siempre. Ha sido una suerte en nuestras vidas el haber trabajado con usted y aprender de usted por tantos años continuos hiendo de artistas invitados a la Ópera de Roma.
Queremos desearles el mejor de los cumpleaños !!!!!!!
Con cariño y Respeto
Who doesn't remember her in Giselle, Pas de Quatre and the many other ballets that will remain forever in the memories of everyone. We were lucky that in our lives we were able to work with you and learn from you during many years of being invited to dance at the Rome Opera Ballet.
Wishing you the best ever birthday!!!!!!!
With love and respect.
Alessandra Ferri
The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, La Scala Ballet
Penso a Carla e sempre l'immagine che vedo è quella di Lei nel secondo atto di Giselle. Una visione che è stata infinita fonte d'ispirazione e mai eguagliata. Più che un'immagine forse una percezione dell'anima.
“Auguri Carla”
Un abbraccio, Alessandra
I think of Carla and the image I always conjure up is that of her in the second act of Giselle. A vision that has been an infinite source of inspiration and never equalled. More than an image, it's maybe a perception of the soul.
Best wishes Carla,
Fondly, Alessandra
Loredana Furno
Director Turin Ballet Theatre
Non credo di sbagliare quando affermo che Carla la ballerina che tutti sappiamo, è stata grande e unica anche per il modo in cui ha saputo sdoganare la danza accademica dallo stereotipo di maniera a vera, forte forma di espressione teatrale.
Nella sua danza, la grazia, la leggerezza e la tecnica che pur non le mancava, erano come nascoste, offuscate dalla ‘verità' e la delle sue interpretazioni.
Nei molti anni in cui ho lavorato al suo fianco con Beppe, quante volte ho sentito ripetere “…si carina, ma non ha tecnica…”. Il fatto è, cari signori, che la tecnica Carla l'aveva eccome, forte e pulita, ma non l'ostentava, se ne serviva per esprimere e creare i suoi molti personaggi, eroine indimenticabili e così ‘diverse' da quelle di tutte le altre ‘Stelle della Danza' così vere e palpitanti, cosi moderne, quasi fossero reali.
Giulietta, Giselle, Melisande, Francesca da Rimini, ma anche Mirandolina, Coppelia, personaggi a cui sapeva infondere un'arguzia quasi contadina…
Raramente sono riuscita a rimanere nel mio camerino durante le repliche di Romeo e Giulietta o le oltre ottanta recite di Giselle: mi accoccolavo in quinta e …la guardavo, la guardavo…ogni sera diversa dalla sera precedente ogni sera sublime…Grazie Carla, mi hai dato molto!!
I don't think I'm wrong when I say that Carla, the dancer we all know, has been great and unique in the way she has been able to liberate academic dance from mannered stereotype to a true, powerful form of theatrical expression.
With her dance, the grace, the lightness and the technique (which she certainly didn't lack, but it was almost concealed), were hidden by the ‘truth' of her interpretation.
During many years I worked beside her and Beppe, how many times did I hear, “Yes, fine, but she doesn't have technique”. The thing is, dear reader, that Carla did have technique and how, strong and precise, but she didn't flaunt it. If it was useful to express and create her many characters, unforgettable heroines, and so different from those of the other ‘dance stars', so true and vibrant, so modern, as if they were real.
Juliet, Giselle, Melisande, Francesca da Rimini, but also Mirandolina, Coppélia, characters that she was able to infuse with a peasant's guile.
It was rare that I managed to remain in my dressing room during the performances of Romeo and Juliet, or the 80-plus performances of Giselle: I cured up in the wings and I watched… I watched… different each night, every night sublime… Thank you Carla, you have given me so much!!
Mara Galeazzi
The Royal Ballet
La grande forza e passione che Carla possiede l'ha portata ad una carriera indimenticabile è incredibilmente speciale. Mi ritengo fortunata di avere avuto l'opportunità di aver lavorato e conosciuto una grande artista come lei!!! Solo d'ammirare e prendere come esempio…
The great power and passion that is within Carla has brought her an unforgettable and incredibly special career. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to have worked with and known a great artist like her!!! You can only admire her and take her as an example.
Gilda Gilati
La Scala Ballet
Gratitudine.
Questa è la prima parola che mi viene in mente per festeggiare l'immensa artista che è Carla Fracci.
Gratitudine per aver ispirato la mia carriera fin da bambina. Solo osservandola ho imparato rigore, disciplina e costanza.
Gratitudine per aver ispirato con le sue insuperate interpretazioni, la mia Giulietta, Giselle, Sylphide, Tatiana…
Gratitudine per avermi scelta per condividere palcoscenico e ruoli.
Ma soprattutto gratitudine per avermi trasmesso l'amore per la danza come altissima espressione d'arte!
Grazie Carla… Buon compleanno!!!
Gratitude.
That is the first word that comes in mind to celebrate the immense artist that is Carla Fracci.
Gratitude for having inspired my career since I was a girl. Just by observing her I learnt rigor, discipline and perseverance.
Gratitude for having chosen me to share the stage and roles.
But above all, gratitude for having transmitted love for dance as the highest expression of art!
Thank you Carla… Happy birthday!!!
Letizia Giuliani
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Dal profondo del mio cuore, Le mando con infinito affetto gli auguri più sinceri per il suo compleanno. A lei che per me, e moltissime insieme a me, è un miraggio da raggiungere ed un punto di riferimento per la tenacia, la devozione per l'arte, la danza, il palcoscenico e il grande amore verso il pubblico, che in egual misura la ama.
Con grande stima, Letizia Giuliani
From the bottom of my heart, I send you with much fondness my sincerest wishes for a happy birthday. You are for me, and so many others, a mirage which we try to reach and you are the touchstone for your tenacity, devotion to art, dance, the stage, and the great love of your public, which equally loves you back.
With great respect, Letizia Giuliani
Annamaria Grossi
La Scala Ballet
Grazie per tutto quello che mi ha dato, da cui ho potuto attingere nel corso della mia carriera. Lei è sempre stata il mio punto di riferimento. TANTISSIMI AUGURI!!!
Thank you for all you have given me, which I've been able to take and use during my career. You have always been my point of reference. MANY BEST WISHES!!!
Cynthia Harvey
American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet
As a young person growing up in the San Francisco bay area, I had torn magazine photos of Carla Fracci on my bedroom wall. She was one of the illustrious ballerinas of American Ballet Theatre who I admired and had hoped that by having her photo on my wall, I might, somehow, absorb her magic.
At age fourteen I went to New York for the first time to attend a summer course, when standing on Broadway at around 65th street, a vision in white, with that discernible widow's peak, was face to face with me. It was La Fracci. I was desperate for her autograph, but didn't have a pen in my dance bag. Somehow, I gathered the pluck to speak to her. I approached her, but no words came out! I was star struck. She must have felt pity, or perhaps she understood from my pathetic teenage body language (and grunts, disguised as language), that I was overwhelmed. She opened her small bag and pulled out a pen and signed a receipt that I had found, which was crumpled at the bottom of my bag. She made my day, and I may add-that visit to New York.
Years later, I joined American Ballet Theatre and found myself as one of her “friends” in Coppélia. I was less impressed that I was chosen to be a friend, than I was to be HER friend. I observed her as Giselle and in La Sylphide, and was impressed by how she used her port de bras to aid the illusion of etherealness, how she rolled through her feet, by her charm, and by her pathos. What an inspiration she has been. Thank you Carla for making an impressionable girl, and hopeful ballerina, happy.
Buon Compleanno Carla e “Molti felici ritorni”, Cinzia Harvey
Marcia Haydée
Stuttgart Ballet, Director Santiago Ballet
Dear Carla,
I think very often about the times that we were together and it was always so inspiring to be with you and to see you dance.
I wish you all the best for your birthday and that you continue to be this great artist that has influenced so many dancers in different parts of the world.
With all my love and admiration, Marcia
Jane Hermann
Director American Ballet Theatre
I am happy to add my congratulations and deep affection in celebration of Carla Fracci's birthday. In the years in which I worked with her, this beautiful artist never disappointed her audience, and always delighted me.
She and I are the same age. We've lived through a lot, in our various worlds, and I wish Carla many more ‘Happy Birthdays' and send my love, Jane Hermann.
Millicent Hodson (& Kenneth Archer)
Choreographer, Dance Historian and Designer
A NEW CHEMICAL CALLED CARLA
Maybe scientists will seize on a new chemical and call it Carla. Like the alchemists that preceded them, modern wizards marvel at transformation. Friends and fans of Carla Fracci have witnessed such miracles time and again. She can take any idea, any character, and turn it into gold. Before our very eyes we have seen her transform into countless beings. It is not just her great dramatic gift. As an actress whose first truth is dance, she thoroughly embodies what she seeks. She asks questions, she thinks out loud. But mostly she probes until her body changes into what her imagination demands.
For the 80th birthday of Dame Alicia Markova, who so loved and admired her, Carla danced our cycle of solos about Isadora Duncan. Afterwards Mary Clarke pondered in Dancing Times: how was it possible that that the slight figure of Fracci could look so “monumental”? How could she magnify herself to the proportions, physical and spiritual, of this legendary woman?
Legends are full of “shape shifting” and probably because, like Isadora, Fracci has long been a legend too, she carries the elixir, that unconditional giving of herself to each role. Hence the transformations that will always make art the envy of science. Long live Carla's chemistry!
Rosalia Kovacs
La Scala Ballet
Ho un ricordo splendido con Carla durante una tournée che abbiamo fatto con il Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo: Giselle con Rudy. Auguri!
I have a wonderful memory of Carla during a tour that we did with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo: Giselle with Rudy. Happy birthday!
Oksana Kucheruk
Bordeaux Opera Ballet
Auguri ad una delle più grandi ballerine della storia del balletto classico, una persona che per me è stata un esempio per la sua passione ed amore per la danza, per me e per tanti ballerini di tutto il mondo.
Con parole non si può descrivere una ballerina ed una persona come lei… Solo posso dire grazie per la tua danza e per essere come sei… anche a Beppe!!!!
Best wishes to one of the greatest ballerinas in the history of classical dance, someone who for me has been an example with her passion and love of dance, and not just for me but for many ballerinas around the world.
One can't describe a dancer and a person as she is, with words… I can only say thank you for your dance and for being you… thanks also to Beppe!!!!
Giulia Lazzarini
Actress
La vita di un danzatore è fatta di tecnica e di passione e Carla, ancora oggi, è in grado di portare la propria anima su un palcoscenico e donandola per provare quelle emozioni che solo lei con la sua grazia riesce a trasmettere. Ancora oggi le sue braccia lunghe come ali potrebbero avvolgerti e trasportarti in luoghi che solo lei conosce. Perché sono i segreti della sua grande arte, che è solo sua, e qui la tecnica non centra! Solo lei sa raccogliere le rose senza pungersi le dita. Auguri Carlina per la tua magia, facci sognare così non invecchieremo mai.
Ci conosciamo fin da bambine, ti voglio tanto bene Carla.
The life of a dancer is made of technique and passion and Carla, still today, is capable of bringing her soul onstage and giving it freely in order to find those emotions that only she, with her grace, can convey. Still today, her arms, long like wings, could sweep you up and transport you to places that only she knows exist. They are the secrets of her considerable art, only hers, and here technique has no place! Only she can gather the rose without pricking her finger. Best wishes Carlina for your magic, make us dream and in this way we'll never grow old.
We've known each other since childhood; much love to you Carla.
Anita Magyari
La Scala Ballet
Tantissimi sinceri e cari auguri in questa giornata per te speciale.
Sending you many sincere best wishes on your special day.
Nicoletta Manni
La Scala Ballet
Quando si dice danza è inevitabile pensare a lei: La Giselle numero uno… un esempio irraggiungibile.
Auguri a lei che è il sogno di tutti!
When you say ‘dance' you inevitably think of her: the Giselle number one… an unattainable role model.
Best wishes to the ballerina we all dream of being!
Simona Noja
Romanian Opera Ballet, Ballett am Rhein, Berlin State Ballet, Vienna State Ballet
Dear Carla, you are for me the symbol of artistry in ballet! Those who invest their art more in artistry than in other skills, they remain forever in the conscience of the public! And so will you!
Happy birthday, with all my heart.
Luciana Novaro
La Scala Ballet
Carla è sempre stata la più bella e la più brava del mondo. Ero in giuria quando fece l'audizione per entrare alla scuola della Scala, ed alcuni membri della stessa erano in dubbio per via delle sue gambe troppo magre, ma io dissi, “Ma dove trovate un torace e due braccia così belle!”
Sono una delle sue ammiratrice più convinte e le voglio molto bene.
Carla has always been the most beautiful and the best in the world. I was part of the jury when she auditioned for the school at La Scala, and some of the other members were in doubt because she had such thin legs, but I said, “But where will you find a torso and arms as beautiful as these!”
I am one of her most staunch admirers and I love her dearly.
Agnes Oaks
English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Carla Fracci some years ago in Rome. Her dedication and quality has been such inspiration! It was an absolute honour to have shared the stage with most ethereal and unique artist of our time! I wish her very, VERY Happy Birthday!!!
Anna Maria Prina
Director La Scala Ballet School
Hai raggiunto un traguardo meraviglioso, pieno di vitalità e di voglia di fare!
Molti cari auguri a te, artista che ha saputo e potuto far conoscere in tutto il mondo la sua Arte italiana, espressa non solo nel classico-romantico ma in innumerevoli, differenti stili e modi.
Ti auguro cento di questi giorni su tappeti di fiori!
Con affetto, Anna
You have arrived at this marvellous milestone full of vitality and verve!
Sending you many good wishes, an artist who has, and has been able to, make her Italian talent known in all the world, not just in the classical-romantic repertoire but in countless different styles and in innumerable ways.
I wish you many more of these days on a bed of roses!
With love, Anna
Genesia Rosato
The Royal Ballet
How wonderful. I can't believe Carla is 80. I remember how excited I was to have been asked by Sir Kenneth to audition for the role of Karsavina [in Herbert Ross's film Nijinsky] and the opportunity to get to dance with Carla, it was such an honour to be alongside her. I felt overwhelmed and privileged at the tender age of just 21.
Pompea Santoro
Cullberg Ballet
Oltre ad ammirare le sue eccezionali qualità artistiche, ammiro le sue grandi qualità umane. Mi ha sempre sorpresa il modo spontaneo in cui mi abbraccia ad ogni nostro incontro, un abbraccio pieno di stima e calore.
Auguri mia cara Carla lunga vita a te!
Apart from admiring her exceptional artistic qualities, I admire her quality as a human being. She has always surprised me with the spontaneity of her embrace each time we meet, an embrace full of respect and warmth.
Best wishes my dear Carla, and long life to you!
Lina Sastri
Actress and Singer
Grande, forte, sensibilissima… non so se felice… artista. Non solo danzatrice, attrice. Io penso che sei rimasta in segreto quella bambina ubbidiente ed ostinata che cercava una guida. Una strada. Una meta. Conservando nel cuore sacrificio e amore da regalare all'arte, alla bellezza.
La vita, forse, solo sfiorata. Il palco consumato con avido e divino splendore. Poco ti ho conosciuta. Non sono danzatrice, anche se amo la danza, ma credo, oso pensare, che anche come donne ci siamo riconosciute. In questo paese senza memoria, resti una perla preziosissima e pura che ha portato l'arte divina della danza nel mondo e ancora oggi conservi lo splendore di una dea.
Auguri, Lina Sastri
Immense, powerful, sensitive… I don't know if happy… artist. Not only a dancer but an actress. I think that you have secretly remained that obedient and determined girl who searches for a guide. A path. A purpose. Preserving in your heart sacrifice and love to give to art, to beauty.
Life, maybe, has only been lightly touched; the stage consumed by insatiable and divine splendour. I've known you little. I'm not a dancer, even though I love dancing, but I think, dare to think, that as women we understand each other. In this country without memory, you endure like a pure and precious pearl; you have taken the divine art of dance around the world and still today retain the splendour of a goddess.
Happy birthday, Lina Sastri
Iride Sauri
Teatro La Fenice
Ciao Carla!
TANTI AUGURI!! Ti ricordi quella volta a Genova quando facevamo Il Principe delle Pagode e che, a causa del maltempo, i costumi del secondo atto sono arrivati da Roma nell'intervallo fra il primo e il secondo atto??!!
Quanti momenti divertenti, emozionanti, indimenticabili abbiamo trascorso insieme…!
Ti penso sempre con affetto, Iride
Hello Carla!
MANY BEST WISHES!! Do you remember that time in Genoa when we were performing The Prince of the Pagodas and because of bad weather the second act costumes arrived from Rome during the interval between the first and second act??!!
How many fun, emotional and unforgettable times we've had together…!
I always think of you affectionately, Iride
Luciana Savignano
La Scala Ballet
Ho avuto da sempre una grande stima e un grande rispetto per Carla Fracci.
Grazie Carla, per l'artista che sei, per quello che ci hai dato e per quello che ancora ci regalerai.
Augurissimi, Luciana Savignano
I have always had high esteem and great respect for Carla Fracci.
Thank you Carla, for the artist you are, for that you have given us and that which you have yet to give.
Many best wishes, Luciana Savignano
Isabel Seabra
La Scala Ballet
Ricordando la grande prima del balletto Excelsior al Teatro alla Scala di Milano quando ho avuto l'onore ed il piacere di ballare con la signora Fracci, rinnovo i miei sinceri auguri di buon compleanno ad un'amica ballerina che come nel balletto Excelsior ha illuminato la mia lunga carriera. Con affetto, Isabel Seabra
Remembering the opening of Ballo Excelsior at La Scala when I had the honour and joy of dancing with sig.ra Fracci, I send my sincere birthday wishes to a dancer-friend who, as in that Ballo Excelsior, has illuminated my long career. With love, Isabel Seabra
Dame Antoinette Sibley
The Royal Ballet
I loved dancing with Carla in Pas de Quatre in Hamburg and also at the festival in Spoleto. Happy Birthday from Antoinette.
Luisa Spinatelli
Set and Costume Designer
Buon compleanno Carlina,
dalle” quinte” abbiamo condiviso forti emozioni con una preziosa lezione di perseveranza sempre alla ricerca del meglio.
Come la stella della sera sei la più luminosa!!!
Un forte abbraccio, Luisa Spinatelli
Happy birthday Carlina,
From the wings we've shared many powerful emotions with the precious lesson to keep persevering in order to find something better.
As the star of the evening you shine the brightest!!!
Sending you my love, Luisa Spinatelli
Franca Squarciapino (& Ezio Frigerio)
Costume Designer
Tanti carissimi, affettuosi, affezionati auguri dai vecchi amici che vi aspettano sempre con gioia in campagna! Franca ed Ezio
Many dear, warm and loving wishes from old friends, always eagerly awaiting to welcome you back to their home in the country! Franca and Ezio
Gaia Straccamore
Rome Opera Ballet
“… non è sufficiente essere solo una brava ballerina, essere artista è diverso…”
Così mi ha trasmesso la passione per il lavoro duro, per la disciplina, l'importanza della musicalità, della cura dei particolari, spingendomi sempre ad essere curiosa e sensibile verso tutte le forme d'arte, il tutto fatto sempre in modo completamente naturale, perché “…ricordati Gaia, in scena devi essere sempre naturale”.
Grazie sempre, tanti TANTI auguri di cuore. Con affetto, Gaia Straccamore
“…it's not enough to be just a good ballerina, to be an artist is something else…”
In this way, you conveyed to me the passion for hard work, for discipline, the importance of musicality, attention to detail, pushing me to always be curious and aware of all forms of art, and everything always in a completely natural way, because, “…remember Gaia, on stage you must always be natural”.
My everlasting gratitude, many MANY heartfelt wishes. With love, Gaia Straccamore
Elisabetta Terabust
London Festival Ballet, Director of the Companies at La Scala, Rome, Maggio Musicale and San Carlo Naples
Nutro per Carla un grandissimo affetto. È sempre stata un grande esempio davanti a me. Con tanta stima ed ammirazione.
I have such great fondness for Carla. She's always been a great example in front of me. With much respect and admiration.
Anbeta Toromani
Ballerina and Television Dancer
È difficile esprimere a parole la grandezza artistica di una diva senza tempo, ho incontrato la Signora Fracci per la prima volta in una trasmissione televisiva dove a sorpresa ho ballato di fronte a lei la variazione del primo atto di Giselle, proprio questo ruolo in cui lei non ha eguali a tutt'oggi… nonostante l'emozione di trovarla di fronte e la paura di fare una brutta figura, con qualche imperfezione portai a termine la variazione. Ero preoccupata del suo giudizio, lei invece fu gentile, dolce e rassicurante nei miei confronti. Sicuramente è uno degli incontri più importanti della mia vita e sono onorata di aver conosciuto un Mito della danza, che è stata fonte di ispirazione per i danzatori di ieri, oggi e di domani.
Le faccio i miei più sinceri e affettuosi auguri di buon compleanno.
It's difficult to express in words the artistic grandeur of a timeless diva. I met signora Fracci the first time in a television programme where, unexpectedly, I danced in front of her the variation from the first act of Giselle, precisely the role in which she is unequalled, even today… despite my nerves in finding her in front of me and the fear of looking a fool, with a few errors I got to the end of the variation. I was worried of her assessment, but she was kind, gentle and reassuring. Certainly one of the most important encounters of my life and I'm honoured to have known a dance legend, who has been a source of inspiration for the dancers of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I wish her my most sincere and affectionate good wishes for a happy birthday.
Franca Valeri
Actress and Writer
Carla ineguagliabile regina. Chi ha avuto il privilegio di assistere al suo splendore stenta a credere ai suoi ricordi, ma quella signora che ci viene incontro, spesso vestita di bianco, con una umiltà rara, non può essere ancora che Carla Fracci.
Carla is an unparalleled queen. Those who have had the privilege to witness her splendour can hardly believe their own memories, but the woman we meet, often dressed in white, with a rare humility, cannot be other than Carla Fracci.
With many thanks to Luisa Graziadei, Barbara Gronchi, Genesia Rosato, Pino Strabioli, Bruno Vescovo, Frederick Wildfoerster, and a very special ‘grazie mille' to Carlo Orlandi.
Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.
His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.
I had the honour to know Carla, for the first time, when she danced Giselle at the Teatro Politeama in Palermo. I’ve always loved music, but that evening at the theatre I really understand what art means! I was grabbed immediately by the movement of her arms, by the lightness of her body, but especially by the expressive power of her face. During the scene of Giselle’s madness I felt very upset, I wanted to cry. I could not breathe normally. I was literally captivated by her art. Space and time have not cancelled that magical dream. That feeling and the simplicity of this woman have accompanied me for the rest of my life. I am a teacher and I knew that to capture the interest of the students I had to change strategy: for 34 years I have used drama as an effective tool for learning. I followed her, when I could, around Italy to breathe the magic of her interpretations. It is essential that she teaches her art to young dancers. I do not know how this can be done. Perhaps the cultural world should give her a hand !! Dear Carla thank you immensely that even at the age of eighty years you’re able to give me emotions like the first time: 2016 a wonderful Queen Thalassa in Scheherazade. I love you. Vincenzo
Auguri Carla. 🙂
I was sooooo head over heels in love with her.
I am a fan and saw you dance with ABT many times. Happy Birthday!!
Brava Carla!
Auguri!
Auguri di allegria.salute.serenita’.grandissima artista .!l.
Auguri con VERO affetto ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Auguri Divina
Marie Lallement Besobrasova <3 j'espere de te revoir très bientôt
Avec un immense plaisir… à bientôt… bises Marieli
Auguri splendida ottantenne!! Ci vediamo presto! ❤️
E ancora tantissimi auguri da Bruno vescovo eh tutti coloro che hanno condiviso con Lei innumerevoli successi! GRAZIE CARLA!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ❤️
I first saw her in the early sixties at a Dolin/Markova gala celebrating the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral. Ballet fan ever since. Thank you Carla
Conosi a Carla Fracci personalmente bailando junto a ella en el Teatro Colon Giselle, yo hacia Reina de Billis , nos volvimos a encontrar en Moscu en el Teatro Bolshoi como jurados en el Benois de la Danse
Feliz Cumpleaños Carla Fracci
Lidia Segni
Ho avuto l’onore di iniziare la mia carriera al suo fianco nel 1998 per poi partire per l’America e “sposare” la danza della Graham. Le Auguro un meraviglioso 80simo!!!
Con affetto, Maurizio
It was such a pleasure to work with Carla in Palermo. Auguri e grazie, bellissima Carla!
Dear Carla,
I am happy that fate gave me such a precious present not only to see and admire you on stage but also to be your partner, live the lives of our characters together.
Thank you so much for this joy of such deep artistic feelings and for everything you have given and continue to give in our beautiful art of dance.
Congratulations and peace and happiness to you and all people dear to you.
Yours ever
Vladimir Vasiliev
Moscow
I send her my love. I will never forget the chance she gave me to dance with her; such an incredible artist!
All my love on your Birthday, We had many great times on stage.
Cara Carla,
ho letto tutte le testimonianze delle illustri colleghe nell’occasione del suo 80° compleanno. Sono veramente commosso e spero che in occasione del suo 100° compleanno io possa esprimere a mia volta il mio pensiero affettuoso unito a tanti auguri. Un grandissimo abbraccio e un mondo di bene, Bruno
Commovente rileggere gli affettuosi auguri di tutti questi personaggi!
Carla è sempre con noi con la sua splendida bellezza e Arte infinita! Esempio fulgido per tutti i giovani non solo di talento, ma di lavoro e ricerca.