The DTH School Welcomes Michelle Lucci

 

Dance Theatre of Harlem never performed its own Nutcracker. I’ve heard that Mr. Mitchell hated it. In the early nineties, during our winter breaks, about half of the company was recruited as guest artists for Maryland Ballet Theater’s production of the holiday favorite.

We all returned from those experiences in better shape than when we left, due in no small part to the passionate drive of Michelle Lucci, who taught rigorous company classes and coached us with an impeccable eye. Before Maryland, I’d danced in other Nutcrackers. When viewing old videos, there is a clear demarcation in my performances before and after I met Michelle Lucci. Her coaching gave me the finishing touches I needed to grow into a ballerina.

It has been said by some that “Those who cannot do, teach,” but in Michelle’s case, that has never been true. There are certain things that dancing four acts of Swan Lake can teach you that are beyond anything you will ever learn in a classroom. Michelle’s knowledge and experience of the art form is vast. She is a master teacher and I am grateful that she has returned to DTH to guide the next generation.

Unfortunately, I never got to see her perform, but DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland grew up admiring her performances as a principal with Pennsylvania Ballet. She also danced at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and was a principal with Milwaukee Ballet. Her repertoire included a range of classical, neo-classical and contemporary ballets. She has taught at many prestigious schools including Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Julliard and Purchase College.

Michelle Lucci is pictured here with one of the greatest classical male dancers to have ever graced the stage, none other than Fernando Bujones.

This year, I want to stress the importance of training as we approach our Spring performance. I look forward to the distinct, sublime impression Michelle will leave on all our aspiring dancers and am honored to have her on our faculty.