Alberto Testa was a walking encyclopedia of dance, always elegantly dressed with never a hair out of place, and was very much of another time recalling Frederick Ashton with his old-school ways. Although he could be childlike and impish in his humour, he commanded great deference from those who collaborated with him and those who could call him their friend. Just as the young … [Read more...] about Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
Beppe Menegatti
Ballerina Jacquelin De Min dies at the age of 76
Ballerina Jacquelin De Min has died at the age of 76 at her home in Cannes after a long illness. She began dancing with the ballet company at the Opera House in Strasbourg when she was 16, and soon after with the Gran Ballet du Marquise De Cuevas, followed by the ballet companies in Nice and Geneva. In 1968 she became a Principal Dancer with the Gran Ballet Classique de … [Read more...] about Ballerina Jacquelin De Min dies at the age of 76
Antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome with Russian and Italian ballet stars
As an antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome — this year a sold out two days, next year there will be three — in the luxurious setting of the Hotel de Russie near the Spanish Steps, there was an intimate reception hosted by the hotel, with a Sergei Diaghilev theme. The event was organised by Anna Lea Antolini together with Daniele Cipriani Entertainment. Cipriani has, … [Read more...] about Antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome with Russian and Italian ballet stars
Ferruccio Soleri – After 60 years and 2,283 performances, Italy’s Arlecchino bows out
On 13 May, a very important actor took his final bow. Goldoni’s Harlequin, servant to two masters, known in Italy as simply Arlecchino, has seen Ferruccio Soleri in the leading role since 1959. Now, aged 88, he has taken off his chequered costume and black leather commedia dell’arte mask for the last time. Goldoni’s play is called simply Servitore di due padroni (Servant to … [Read more...] about Ferruccio Soleri – After 60 years and 2,283 performances, Italy’s Arlecchino bows out
Dance Oscars 2017 are awarded in Rome
The ceremony for the first edition of the Oscar della Danza has been held at Cinecittà World in Rome. In Italy, there are the David di Donatello awards for cinema, the Italian Musical Awards, the Franco Abbiati awards for opera, Premio Le Maschere for theatre, and many for literature, but the various dance awards — there are numerous — are often given out to those who are … [Read more...] about Dance Oscars 2017 are awarded in Rome
Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer
Luisa Spinatelli… taking tasteful to a higher dimension The Amici della Scala (Friends of La Scala), run by the indefatigable Anna Crespi, gathered together at the association’s spectacular headquarters, a short walk from La Scala, to celebrate one of Italy’s most important theatre designers. Luisa Spinatelli is one of a tight-knit core of Milanese artists, by birth or … [Read more...] about Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer
Composer György Kurtág celebrates his 91st birthday, and 70th wedding anniversary, with a Borletti-Buitoni Trust award
Today, Hungarian composer György Kurtág is celebrating his 91st birthday, and also his 70th wedding anniversary. He and his pianist wife, Márta, have been presented with a Borletti-Buitoni Trust award (£30,000) in recognition of their distinguished contribution to the world of music, as well as their long and devoted musical partnership. This special tribute is in memory of … [Read more...] about Composer György Kurtág celebrates his 91st birthday, and 70th wedding anniversary, with a Borletti-Buitoni Trust award
To Carla Fracci, on your 80th Birthday, from your colleagues and friends
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 - … [Read more...] about To Carla Fracci, on your 80th Birthday, from your colleagues and friends
Photo album: Carla Fracci coaches Giselle at the ESDC Rosella Hightower
Last week Carla Fracci gave her first masterclass, together with a cocahing session, on the ballet she is most closely assocaited with, Giselle. The event happened at the Ecole Superieure de Danse de Cannes-Mougins Rosella Hightower after an invitation by the school's director Paola Cantalupo and the aid of Anna Maria Prina. The ESDC Rosella Hightower trains 150 … [Read more...] about Photo album: Carla Fracci coaches Giselle at the ESDC Rosella Hightower
Paolo Poli 1929-2016 – Italy loses its most original talent
Paolo Poli was, like so many gigantic Italian talents whose fame is based on their way with words, little known outside his own country. He was born in Florence and possessed that typically Tuscan eccentricity which informed both his writing and acting. Poli was a handsome man with an elegant and aristocratic bearing, he possessed a brilliant wit and his vast cultural … [Read more...] about Paolo Poli 1929-2016 – Italy loses its most original talent