February 10
Born Today:
Virginia Zucchi
Italian ballerina Virginia Zucchi (1849-1933) studied with Carlo Blasis (1797-1878) and spent several years dancing in Russia, at the insistence of the Tsar. Her virtuosic dancing and fiery persona inspired Russian dancers and audiences alike, and her pointe shoes were strong enough in 1885 to perform an entire solo en pointe (on her toes) - a rare feat of the feet at that time. It wasn’t until 1887 that Salvatore Capezio (1871-1940) established his company, which would eventually revolutionize pointe and other dance shoes. Zucchi retired from performing in 1898 and opened a dance school in Monte Carlo.