Italy's Carla Fracci, La Scala prima ballerina, dies at 84

Carla Fracci, an Italian cultural icon and former La Scala prima ballerina who formed a memorable partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, has died at her home in Milan

MILAN -- Carla Fracci, an Italian cultural icon and former La Scala prima ballerina renowned for romantic roles alongside such greats as Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov, died Thursday at her home in Milan. She was 84. The La Scala theater announced her death with “great sadness,” without giving a cause. Italian news reports said she had been fighting cancer. The Milan theater recalled the “fairytale rise” of the daughter of a tram driver who, through “talent, obstinance and work became the most famous ballerina in the world, has inspired generations of young people, and not just in the world of dance.” “Carla Fracci was a cardinal figure in the history of dance and that of La Scala, but also a point of reference for the city of Milan and Italian culture," the theater said in a statement.