Description

Description: Co-founder and principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre, Lucia Chase (1897-1986), neatly signed this portrait photograph “To Johnnie, with my best wishes, Lucia Chase”. In the photo, Chase is wearing a gauzy costume with short, puffed sleeves, her hands held delicately near her shoulder as she gazes wistfully off into the distance.

Lucia Chase performed with the Mordkin Ballet from 1937 to 1939, dancing the title roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. In 1940, alongside Richard Pleasant, she founded the American Ballet Theatre (originally known as just Ballet Theatre) and was the principal dancer and financial backer for many years. She retired from dancing in 1960, then handed the reins of company director over to Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1980. She was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.

10” x 8”. Item #A01358

Condition: Minor rippling along right edge, overall very good condition with a bold signature.