Throwback Thursday and
Lucia Chase
Lucia Chase Ewing was
born in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 24, 1907. She was the third of five
daughters born to Irving Hall Chase and Elizabeth Hosmer Kellogg Chase. She studied
ballet at the Vestoff Serova School, but was quoted as saying that acting was
her first love, and dancing a hobby.
However, she studied
ballet seriously under Mikhail Mordkin. In 1937 she debuted with the Mordkin
Ballet, and soon became its principal dancer. In 1938 Richard Pleasant became
company manager and he wanted to create an even bigger company that would not
only preserve past classical works, but also present the best contemporary
ones.
1n 1940, Ballet Theater
became a reality, with Richard Pleasant as director. Lucia Chase danced with
this company and also provided financial support. In 1945 she became
co-director along with Oliver Smith. Together they guided and developed the
company until 1980, when Mikhail Baryshnikov took the helm.
On the 35th anniversary
of ABT, New York City presented her with the Handel Medallion, (the city’s
highest cultural award), and in 1981 she
received the Norman Lloyd Award of the North Carolina School of the Arts (for
distinquished achievement in dance). During her long career she received many
such awards.
Lucia Chase died in
1986, at age 88.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #98:
“Lucia
Chase was co-founder and co-director of American Ballet Theater.”
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Create with the heart; build with the mind.”
― Criss Jami
― Criss Jami
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