Erik Bruhn and Carla Fracci – Romeo and Juliet, 1966

Erik Bruhn choreographed a version of Romeo and Juliet, which he and Carla Fracci danced with the Rome Opera Ballet in 1966.

Between performances, they recorded the balcony scene, which today has been uploaded to YouTube for the first time. A year later, the two danced Bruhn’s version with the American Ballet Theatre in New York.

In Fracci’s autobiography, Passo dopo passo (Step by Step), she wrote,

I was fortunate to meet Erik, a superb dancer, a true professional and a kind man. He had an effortlessness in his dancing that was unique, and his perfection was incredible with a precise technique and great elegance.

We shared the same language without inhibitions or limits: together we were able to overcome our shortcomings and the hours of hard work together were enlightening. On stage, we had a perfect symbiotic relationship, something I can’t put into words… We had a strong fraternal bond of love, admiration and respect.