Carla With Love: ballet tribute to Carla Fracci reaches Turin’s Palazzo Reale

Turin’s Palazzo Reale is presenting "Carla With Love," a ballet homage to the celebrated Italian ballerina Carla Fracci, whose artistry and influence continue to inspire the dance world. Scheduled for October 21st in the historic Salone delle Guardie Svizzere, this production follows its premiere at the Reggia di Venaria earlier in the month.

Carla Fracci, who passed away in 2021 and would have turned 90 in August, is remembered not only as a prominent étoile but as a profound cultural figure. The ballet was conceived by Francesco Borelli, a former dancer turned journalist and event manager, who had long pledged to create a tribute that captures both Fracci’s artistic achievements and her personal essence. This promise materialized through support from Regione Piemonte and its initiative to celebrate the Savoy Royal Residences with contemporary artistic works.

The production’s premiere was officially unveiled in early September at the Sala Trasparenza of the Grattacielo Piemonte in Turin. Borelli, reflecting on his relationship with Fracci, emphasized the intent to reveal the woman behind the legend, highlighting her humanity alongside her artistic legacy. This dual focus is central to the ballet’s narrative structure.

Choreographic and directorial responsibilities rest with Stefania Ballone, a dancer affiliated with Teatro alla Scala, who approaches Fracci’s legacy as an evolving cultural heritage requiring preservation and transmission to emerging generations. Ballone’s interpretation seeks to maintain the vibrancy of Fracci’s contributions to ballet, emphasizing the responsibility entrusted to contemporary artists.

The ballet charts significant moments in Fracci’s personal and professional journey, portraying her through Martina Arduino, a prima ballerina of La Scala. Arduino’s background is deeply rooted in Turin, having trained locally before advancing to Milan’s prestigious ballet company. She described the experience as a significant honor and a meaningful opportunity to perform in her hometown within such emblematic venues.

Complementing Arduino is Jacopo Bellussi, who embodies Beppe Menegatti, Fracci’s husband, as well as the various male figures pivotal to her life and career. Bellussi’s background includes principal positions at Hamburg Ballett and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and his familial ties to Piedmont enrich his portrayal of Fracci’s intimate and artistic relationships. The male and female corps de ballet includes dancers Giulia Gemma Manfrotto, Martina Scaglione, Cristian Prebibaj, and Raffaele Sibilio, collectively supporting the narrative’s depth and nuance.

Behind the scenes, dramaturgy by Serge Honegger shapes the storytelling framework, while lighting design by Valerio Tiberi and Alessandro Manni enhances the visual atmosphere. Composer Mirko Matera provides an original score, complementing the choreography. Costume design integrates both new creations by Dellàlò and Ada Del Conte and historic pieces from Teatro alla Scala and Balletto di Siena. Notably, some original costumes worn by Fracci herself, loaned by the Fondazione Cerratelli in Pisa, are incorporated, forging a tangible connection to her heritage.

The selection of the Salone delle Guardie Svizzere, adjacent to the Savoy court’s grand ballroom, symbolizes a bridging of historical grandeur and contemporary dance expression. The show is embedded within the broader "Reale Femminile" program, a thematic initiative that brings female-centered narratives to life within the Savoy Royal Residences.

Access to the ballet includes opportunities for attendees to explore the Palazzo Reale’s first floor prior to the performance, enhancing the cultural experience. Ticketing details reflect an effort to accommodate diverse audiences including discounted rates for young patrons and accessibility provisions.

This production resonates as both a celebration and a preservation of Carla Fracci’s enduring impact, intertwining her personal story with her artistic brilliance in a setting steeped in history. Details on future performances remain limited, but "Carla With Love" sets a precedent for honoring dance legends through immersive theatrical projects in Turin and beyond.