Eugenia Casini Ropa - Essayst, professor of History of Dance and Mime at the University of Bologna she is one of the most prominent Dance scholars. A master of dreams.
At the beginning of the 1990s I decided to run an experiment at the faculty of Drama, Art and Music Studies – DAMS, of the University of Bologna, in response to an idea of an enthusiastic young postgraduate who had just started a research study on society dances in 19th century Europe. I set up a practical/theoretical seminar on 19th century social dances with a view to implementing and expanding the results of ongoing research work. I didn’t know how the seminar would be received especially considering that DAMS students seemed to be keen mostly on contemporary and vanguard phenomena. They proved me wrong. A dozen of them enrolled in the Seminar and turned out to be really passionate about the topic and showed to be ready to engage in waltzes, quadrilles and galops just as they would deal with Steve Paxton’s contact improvisation, street performances or Eugenio Barba’s third theater. They were brilliant, motivated young men and women who were destined to make a name for themselves in different fields of show-business.
A young man stood out among his peers for his formal elegance and composure, features that were hardly common among DAMS students, who used to wear casual clothes if not all together some bizarre and even transgressive attires. Unlike them, he was always well dressed, sporting real shirts and even real jackets with buttons! He was the true extravagant, matching his immaculate clothes with a distinguished carriage, proper attitude, refined language and an expressive face typical of a young Sicilian baron. All in all, he looked a bit older than the rest of his peers and slightly old-fashioned.
He reminded me of my high school friends from 1950s. His name was special too, Nino Graziano Luca - hard to tell his name from his last name! My first reaction was: “here we have a young Pippo Baudo ( Italy’s most famous anchorman at the time). Then I learnt he was already working as a TV presenter and was looking forward to developing a career in television. However, he had just been exposed to Scottish dances, which fueled his interest in the field. He soon became an asset to the group.
I kept an eye on his University career and saw him combining his passion for historical dance with a scholarly approach to the study of 19th century bourgeoise society, its habits and costume. He analyzed festive, recreational and relational costume through those collective dances that could filter and reveal social hierarchies, rules, behavioral and social taboos, along with a representation of ideals, stilemas and stereotypes of grace and male and female beauty. His true life vocation was taking shape.
After he graduated from the University of Bologna discussing a very extensive and original dissertation, Nino followed his own agenda making many different experiences that helped him grow and mature. I have been fortunate enough to stay in touch with him from time to time and learn about his work and achievements. Determination, politeness and grace have always been his signature. And now, almost thirty years later, he enjoys international recognition and has built his own enchanted realm of which he is the undisputed ruler. It is a suspended world where you dress and dance as it was customary 150 years ago. There you recreate different lifestyles from bygone times and rediscover the pleasure of dancing within a cohesive community thus generating, in a somehow mysteric way, beneficial energies to be used in today’s very different reality. The young, enthusiast, touching and slightly old-fashioned Nino, has now become a self-assured and accomplished gentleman, a master of art and maieutic dreams that are no longer out of tune but rather timeless.
Claudia Cardinale
Many beautiful personal memories come to mind when I turn the pages of Nino Graziano Luca’s book. I wish to congratulate him for all his great work and his efforts in letting us share in the magic of historical dance. Also, it is comforting to know that there are still people in this world who believe like him in beauty and elegance.
Carla Fracci al Festival Internazionale della Danza e delle Danze
La Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica e lei Nino, siete un fiore all’occhiello della cultura italiana per la qualità della proposta artistica messa in scena, la cura della ricerca coreica, l’attenzione al dettaglio. Quanto mi sono divertita!!! Grazie per questa piacevolissima serata. Bravi, bravi, bravi. Continuate cosi, con la vostra grazia”
Vittoria Ottolenghi
Nino Graziano Luca's research work in the field of social dances is at least as precious as his efforts to promote the rich choreographic repertoire enshrined in hundreds of manuals. The historical value of his passion and commitment is combined with the sharing of that heritage at the most diverse levels, which he has been doing in recent years. He takes great care in staging his events with particular attention to detail making the Ball become a form of Art, which can rightly be called a Grand Ball.
BEPPE MENEGATTI al "Festival Internazionale della Danza e delle Danze" al Castello di Nepi
La Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica è un esempio di bravura e dedizione, un patrimonio di fondamentale importanza per il processo di civilizzazione ai più alti valori del Bello che il mondo contemporaneo, soprattutto oggi, deve sforzarsi di perseguire. E complimenti al bravissimo Nino che di tutto ciò è l’artefice.
Laura Comi - Etoile and director of the Dance School of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Over thirty years of commitment, passion and continuous research work have led Nino Graziano Luca to be an important reference point today, not only for those who love to test their skills at historical dances, but also for people who want to know and deepen their knowledge of the culture and fashions of balls as a testimony of past times.
I would like to congratulate the refined and persevering Nino Graziano Luca and his Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica on their achievement in spreading the knowledge of these dances, a repertoire that contributes to the enjoyment of the cultural value of the ball as a form of noble art on the notes of beautiful music.
Silvia Carandini, chair of History of Theater and Entertainment and Director of the Department of Art History and Performing Arts, University of Roma “La Sapienza”
Many years have passed since the day Nino Graziano Luca came to see me at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” where I was teaching History of Theater and History of Dance. He had an idea he wanted to discuss with me: a practical seminar on grand balls of the 19th century. I immediately understood that aside from being a talented TV presenter and director, Nino was really a passionate expert in historical and society dances. I asked him to organize a workshop for a small group of students. They were able to practice on the stage of the University’s Teatro Ateneo, which was still open back then. I cannot remember whether it was that very year when they had their final show wearing period costumes, but I know for sure that the show was very evocative and the costumes were made out of a variety of fabrics. His seminar was an overnight hit with students that got literally infected with Nino’s enthusiasm, politeness, elegance and theoretical and historical knowledge, so much so that the seminar continued to be held for several years. It was at that time that his professional career took off. He established the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica and through an accurate interpretation of 19th century dance choreographies, etiquette rules, a choice of fabulous backdrops in historical palaces and beautiful period costumes, he succeeded in attracting attention on Historical Dance. Nino Graziano Luca the researcher was hard at work while launching productions and events. He has a remarkable collection of dance manuals and treaties that have further expanded his knowledge which he shared in a book entitled Gran balli dell’Ottocento. Da “Via col vento” a “Il Gattopardo” (Curcio Musica 2009), that was recently translated into English - The Grand Balls of the 19th Century. From Gone with the Wind to The Leopard. There is no doubt in my mind that Nino Graziano Luca is the best Teacher and Master of Ceremonies of 19th century balls, as well as Italy’s undisputed expert in Historical and Society Dances.
Alkis Raftis, President of the International Dance Council - CID – Unesco
Nino Graziano Luca is one of the most illustrious members of the International Dance Council, the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world. The International Dance Council is an official partner of UNESCO. I met Nino Graziano Luca for the first time during my last visit to Florence where I participated in Danzainfiera. Ever since, I have greatly appreciated the efforts made by Nino and his Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica to relaunch and spread historical dances. At my request, he decided to have his book "Gran Balli dell'800 - Da Via col vento al Gattopardo" (The Grand Balls of the 19th Cen. From Gone with the Wind to the Leopard) translated into English. Today, I am very proud to announce that this great work of his is finally available for all of us. The recovery of European cultural heritage by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica is based on Nino Graziano Luca’s meticulous and passionate research work, which he conducted in Europe on important and precious historical documents and manuals. The Company he founded has been called on to perform Grand Balls in international settings and against the backdrop of important historical and cultural places, including castles, palaces and famous milestones in Italy and the world, from Paris to Vienna, Budapest to Valletta, and Astrakhan to Kuala Lumpur. The timeless charm of an embrace when waltzing, this wonderful dream, the legacy of our history, lives again today in our modern society thanks to the president of the company, Nino Graziano Luca. His studies are summarized in his book, whose English version will further help to spread the beauty of dance throughout the world.
Fabrizio Frizzi, Cominciamo Bene
We relive the spectacular atmosphere of the Grand Balls of the 19th century. We are led to discover the magic of a waltz, a quadrille or a contredanse by a true expert: Nino Graziano Luca, artistic director of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica. Clocks have been pushed back two centuries. You are absolutely marvellous! I know you are a cultored and elegant presenter who has been travelling across Europe to find historical documents and dance manuals of bygone times. When reading the first chapters of your book I realized that balls were regulated by very strict rules of etiquette and toilet. Your descriptions are fascinating. You all are chherful, smiling and welcoming...
Maria Ermachkova, professional dancer, winner of the Blackpool Dance Festival and a teacher at the TV show BALLANDO CON LE STELLE
Dance is art, passion and a language that unites so many people in the world. I would like to commend my friend Nino Graziano Luca and through him his Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica for lighting up the flame of this art form in the hearts of many people. Nino’s research work and determination make all the difference. I wish you all the best.
Caterina Balivo
If you dream of twirling on the dance floor to the notes of a waltz and wearing a ballgown from bygone times, your tutor of Historical Dances can only be Nino Graziano Luca [ ...] There is only one person in the world who can make these dreams come true: Nino Graziano Luca, whom I want to thank for his participation in Detto Fatto.
Cristina Parodi
A century made of waltzes, very elegant men in tails, wonderful women wearing fairy gowns, and ballrooms glittering with candlelight and soft lights - this is the way Balls were conducted in the 19th century. I wish to thank the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica directed by Master Nino Graziano Luca for recreating this incredible and yet true magic.
Ema Stokholma and Briga - Presenters of STRANGER EUROPE on RAIUNO and RAI4
Mattia Briga: "Dressed to perfection, we are about to make our debut into society with a Dance that will be unforgettable.” Ema Stokholma: "The Waltz, Cotillion, Gigue, Quadrille, Mazurka and Contredanse are not outdated stuff. Quite the contrary! They are all beautiful and contemporary. Hundreds of people have their period costumes made to measure in order to participate in historical dances. The success of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica is proof of it. I suddenly feel like Scarlet from Gone with the Wind and Mattia is my Rhett Butler. The incredible thing is that everyone can learn these dances or at least try to learn them. And in unison, we dance following the call of our great Master of Ceremonies: Nino Graziano Luca, the Company’s Director".
Veronica Maya
Dance is a form of International Cultural Heritage and is an essential part of my human, artistic and professional journey. If it were not for this art form I would not be what I am today. I feel even more fortunate because I was able to approach many different styles, classical ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, folk and country dances. Maybe meeting Nino Graziano Luca was written in the stars … Back then I was hosting UNOMATTINA, a RAI TV show that always paid special attention to art … It was thanks to Nino Graziano Luca that I was able to approach Historical Dance live on TV wearing period costumes and talking about it extensively. Nino Graziano Luca keeps this art form alive also through his research work, choreographies and fabulous productions.
Benedetta Rinaldi
Dear Nino, I toast your efforts to brighten up our world with grace, elegance and the etiquette of long-gone times. I was Sissi for one evening, swathed in fabulous clothes and surrounded by even more beautiful music! For this I am grateful! I also wish to thank you for a work that stimulates society to look up to and strive for beauty, aside from being a most important artistic and historical operation. I disagree with those who believe the past eras to be "buried". Likewise grandparents, those that lead the way, show us that there is another way of interpreting reality. God only knows, for example, how well it would do the world to have more balanced relations between men and women, observing the right distances, learning to express grace in our manners and politeness in our behavior. By all means, Nino, please press ahead!!!!
Massimo Giletti, Casa Rai Uno
Sometimes dreams come true. A lady keeps her carnet du ball free for the gentleman she covets. He shows up and the evening takes the turn for the best. Music […] a heart-felt round of applause to our dancers. The choreography was created by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica, a fantastic ensemble that will be with us again in the next few months.
Roberta Capua, Rai Uno Mattina
Let’s dance today! We’re back in the 19th century with extraordinary dancers along with a trained teacher of the Italian Sommelier Association. Together we’ll celebrate the perfect match between Barolo, a historical wine dating back to that period, and the Ball performed by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica directed by Nino Graziano Luca.
Corrado Tedeschi, Cominciamo Bene on Raitre
You are truly outstanding! The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica has brought us back in time to a different, marvellous era. Allow me to commend you on the performance of your quadrille and contredanse, but I also wish to congratulate you for your beautiful costumes and the Grand Balls you organize.
Claudia Andreatti
There are times in our lives when we want to escape from reality, climb aboard a time machine, start our journey without remembering the era we come from, step into the shoes of a superhero, or a legendary figure or maybe in those of a member of a royal family. Yes, I'd love to be a princess, to feel the tight laces of the corset, a puffed gown that flows around my waist and falls down to the floor, my hair set in long curls caressing my back and decorated with lovely white flowers, a tiara that lights up my hairdo from above, a room packed with elegant guests and resplendent of the light of crystal-clear chandeliers, where everyone is anxiously murmuring: "But that's Sissi!" ... I open my eyes and I find myself transported by magic into the Court of Vienna. I feel like a Romy Schneider 2.0 playing Elisabeth, the sweet and proud Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. Franz, the great Francis of Austria, is by my side and a little further away I see Nino Graziano Luca with his Compagnia di Danze Storiche... They are waiting for me ... it is my turn to join in the dance and twirl across the dance floor in a waltz that has never been so magical and 'royal'!
Cinzia Malvini - Cult on LA7
19th century balls are back in fashion also thanks to the emotional excitement conjured up by exclusive aristocratic weddings. However, aside from these events and some iconic films, it is the projects and productions the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica directed by Nino Graziano Luca has developed to promote 19th century dances that has infused new life into waltzes, quadrilles and mazurkas. The Charity Gala of the Dasies sees the participation of hundreds of people from Rome’s high society. They come together to raise money while dancing and having fun.
Alviero Martini
Nino Graziano Luca, with his verve and historical culture, has created an excellent ensemble performing historical dances, mainly from the 19th century. It is a feast of sumptuous costumes but above all of dancers of the highest level. They fill our hearts with emotion, take us into the magical atmosphere of Hapsburg dances, and with great grace offer us a realistic reproduction of dances and a show of a lot of talent. I have had the opportunity to collaborate several times with Nino on joint events. I have always been able to admire and appreciate his scrupulousness and the rigor he imposes on his Company, his respect for traditions and the natural kindness and refinement that only Nino Graziano Luca possesses. Bravo Nino! Happy to be your friend!
Helene Blignaut, South African anthropologist, essayist, fashion and communication expert
Nino Graziano Luca can be called a cultural ambassador, interpreting the feelings of a time when dance went beyond a mere aesthetic exercise. However, this would fail to encompass the scope of his quest that virtuously unites the Signifier (the elegant plasticity of a body moving along with other bodies) and the Meaning (the story that a soul narrates of itself when it wants to reach out to another).
He engages in a mission that explores the ontological value of Dance being the mirror of Society at a certain moment in history. It is also a mission to explore the philological value of Dance expressing the sentiments and passions of an individual.
He is out to fulfil a mission that reminds us that Dance is a physical, passionate and yet intellectual language - a ritual for unions and revolutions. It is something that dazzles the eyes but never slows down, drawing us in its narcissistic yet empathic vortex: the single, the duet, the choral.
Stefano Dominella, in 2005 President of Altaroma
Dear Nino Graziano Luca, President of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica, I would like to thank you for your precious support for the event celebrating the winners of the competition "Who is on next?" This competition marked the growth of AltaRomAltaModa, witnessed by the success and goals shown in the just completed event.
The presence of your Dance Company has contributed to enhance the spectacular nature of the event and its outstanding results, which was received with great enthusiasm by a large audience of professionals, journalists and guests. Hoping that we will be able to count on your esteemed and competent cooperation in the future, I would like to extend to you my cordial greetings.
Danilo Scarrone, RAI Director
Every time I talk about Nino I get dizzy thinking about his frantic working day. But then I say to myself, "Only if you are driven by an immense passion can you go on." Nino has it. He combines rigor and perfection, art and showbusiness, and above all, beauty in everything he does. "Elegance," says Giorgio Armani, "is not being noticed, but being remembered.”
Adriana Pannitteri, journalist and anchorwoman of RAI TG1
I met Nino several years ago by chance. We are united by our Sicilian origins and our indomitable passion for work. I would say his was an almost impossible, crazy experiment: bringing together hundreds of people to give new life to dances and customs far away in time. But like any serious dreamer who does not give up on his goals, the dream has become reality. In the dozens of events that Nino has organized in recent years and in which I have sometimes had the honor to participate, I have seen the beauty of dance and the joy of the people he has been able to involve. I would define it a great beauty... Almost magic. A poem that we cannot but love.
Sebastiano Somma
To my friend Nino Graziano Luca I wish to say thank you for cultivating with so much love and wisdom the sophisticated and refined Art of 19th century dance. Thank you for giving prestige to this historical and cultural fresco of extraordinary beauty. Thank you for sharing with young generations the culture that comes with historical dances and for being passionate about such beauty. Nino, you are a man of other times, and you are really unique for your humanity and spirit of self-denial. With affection and esteem, your friend Sebastiano Somma.
Debora Caprioglio
Wonderful! The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica made me feel like a princess playing Empress Sissi for one night. I love to relive ancient, historical times. This is possible thanks to the wonderful Company of Nino Graziano Luca, my dear friend, to whom I wish to be even more successful. I wish you all the best with much affection!!!
Gian Stefano Spoto, Deputy Director of RAIDUE and RAI INTERNATIONAL, Editor-in-Chief of Rai Parlamento
There are enterprises for which a cultural and professional attitude demands absolute perfection. Ancient dances is one of them since there is always a thin line between culture and country fairs that cannot be infringed. The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica is certainly far from being exposed to such a risk. It was a sort of myth for me until I decided to dedicate a special program to it.
Shooting the scenes and interviewing the artists allowed me to understand how the passion that drives them to look for old jackets on flea market stalls and embellish them with noble gold is the same enthusiasm that makes them unable to feel fatigue and gives them the discipline in their search for absolute perfection.
Nino Graziano Luca is the Master of this quest for perfection that is necessary to recreate the atmosphere of the splendor at the time of Sissi, enclosing the audience in a dreamy bubble. Nino never stops researching and though it may sound like a paradox, innovates the ancient world on a daily basis without ever violating tradition. The secret is to believe all together in this universe, which will always exist because it is not conditioned by fashion, but gives new energy to our souls that may feel disappointed by a world that has lost refinement.
It is a world in which we must live all week long until we can finally escape into a romantic dimension.
Massimiliano Ossini, COSE DELL'ALTRO GEO on RAITRE
How lovely! What deportment! Speaking of waltz, we couldn't help but invite H.E. the Austrian Ambassador to Italy Christian Berlakovits and the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica- a truly extraordinary combination [...] It's always a pleasure to see you because you bring us back in time and bathe us in true elegance
Christian B.M. Berlakovits, Ambassador of Austria to Italy
During our lives we meet hundreds, thousands or more people. This is extremely important for me being a diplomat. However, the people we stay in contact with for a long time are few - they are our true friends. And for me Nino Graziano Luca, founder and pillar of the "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" for thirty years, is a true friend. There is one more element that unites us: Nino met his wife Cristina at an event I organized at the Austrian Embassy in Rome.
A few months after I was appointed Ambassador to Rome in April 2007 – a city where I had worked as Secretary at the Embassy twenty-nine years earlier - I met Nino at a Debutante Ball he organized with Elvia Venosa. It was then that I asked them to bring the Viennese Ball back to Rome, which had fallen into oblivion after being extremely popular with the residents. Ever since, we have been able to organize the event many times along with other projects, which made our cooperation grow strong.
I met many members of the "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" through the good offices of Anna Gentilini of Curcio Publishing House, with which Nino published his book "Gran Balli dell'Ottocento". I held the event for the presentation of his book at my Embassy: the Embassy of the country from where the Viennese Waltz, one of the most significant and famous historical dances, triumphantly spread across the world.
The "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" was also one of our main partners for the annual gala evenings known as "Rose dal Sud" that were held at the Hotel St. Regis in Rome. The event was designed to unite the Italian and Austrian cultural traditions with a focus on dance, singing, and gastronomy. I was also the guest of many dances organized by Nino Graziano Luca and his "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" in Rome and other Italian cities. In 2015 Nino and I organized the first performance of the "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" abroad in Vienna at the Hotel of the Imperial Royal Palace in Schönbrunn. This was followed by other shows that the "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" had in several foreign capitals.
In this way the cooperation between Nino and myself has consolidated our friendship, which has become all the stronger thanks to our cooperation.
I am therefore very grateful to take this opportunity to express my admiration and gratitude to Nino Graziano Luca and his "Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica" for the exceptional results and success of their work over the last thirty years. I would also like to thank them for such an excellent cooperation they have had over many years with the Austrian Embassy in Rome. And finally, I am grateful for their friendship and wish them all the best for a bright future.
Ambassador Alberto Schepisi
Dear Dr. Nino Graziano Luca it is with great pleasure that I express to you my sincere appreciation for the work of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica, which I have been able to admire on various occasions for the elegance and accuracy of its performances. While renewing my warmest congratulations, I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the future.
Maestro Giovanni Cultrera, Superintendent of the Teatro Massimo of Catania
The "Grand Ball of the 19th century" is a show that captivates audiences as soon as the Promenade begins – elegant dancers take hold of the stage, perfect in their postures and resplendent in their beautiful costumes designed according to the paintings of the most famous painters of 19th century European tradition. Alternating romantic and very lively moments, the show keeps its hold on a mesmerized audience till the very end, thanks to the great talent of Nino Graziano Luca. He is not only the creator of the show, but also its demiurge since he dances, acts, tells anecdotes and succeeds in engaging the audience constantly. His large body of experience matured through thirty years of researching, promoting, sharing information and staging shows has most righteously won him a place among the world’s leading protagonists of historical dance. Audiences have acknowledged his passion and expertise showing affection and esteem. Special mention should be made of the etoiles of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica - Debora Bianco and Daniel La Penna, both graduates of the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan. They stand out for their refined technique and light touch; Michela Sorrentino, granddaughter on her mother's side of Goffredo Lombardo, producer of The Leopard, the film, is technically superb and shines for her beauty and elegance. Soprano Manuela Cucuccio and the pianist Anna Maria Cali are also extraordinary talents. The choral power of the show is enhanced by the about 40 "noble" dancers who join in the show at different moments with great precision and joy. "The Grand Ball of the 19th Century” by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica enchants the eyes and gives joy to the hearts.
Silvia Carandini 2, chair of History of Theater and Entertainment and Director of the Department of Art History and Performing Arts, University of Roma “La Sapienza” Interview aired on the TV show MODA on LA7
People are still dancing the waltz today, although in a rather simplified manner. Nevertheless, it is still in the imagination of our young people. When Nino Graziano Luca entered our classroom for the first time, and not the theater, he chose to show the footage from The Leopard, the film, where Angelica twirls on the dance floor. It was a way to show our students how cinema represented a Grand Ball. They felt curious enough to wanting to learn more about those events and the system within which they were to take place – etiquette rules, codes of behavior, the execution of very complicate figures and the proper ways to ask your partner to dance.
General Nunzio Paolucci
Dear Dr. Nino Graziano Luca, President of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica, I wish to commend you for the masterful rendition of the dances your Company performed during the first edition of the "Luci della storia su Porta Pia", an exposition organized to mark the celebrations of the 1440th anniversary of the "Breach of Porta Pia". Your participation greatly contributed to the excellent development of the exposition that attracted large crowds throughout its six-day program of events.
The extraordinary performance of all the dancers was very much appreciated. While thanking you for your invaluable participation, I would like to pay tribute to the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica.
Letizia Vella, TG1, RAIUNO
It feels as if the clock of history was turned back at Palazzo Biscari in Catania during the Grand Ball of the Unification of Italy. Crinolines, organza and precious silks for women. Black tailcoats, jabots, and elegant white ties for men. The ambiance of the Leopard is alive again in Catania. The notes of the famous waltz of Luchino Visconti’s iconic film echo in the ballroom decorated with mirrors at Palazzo Biscari dei Paternò Castello thanks to the Master of Ceremonies Nino Graziano Luca. The nobles of the past are no more, but today’s notables have agreed with great pleasure to wear period costumes for a cultural event that also means solidarity in order to raise funds for the Telethon project. Towards that end, we toast to Unity with Italian sparkling wine while Diletta Leotta walks in wearing a dress with the colors of the national flag to symbolize Italy.
Cinzia Terlizzi, TG2, RAI2
Precious and wispy gowns, elegant and graceful dancers perform waltzes, quadrille and mazurkas. The stage of the prestigious Sferisterio Theater in Macerata is bathed in harmony and the beauty of movements, sounds and colors is reflected in the gigantic mirror created by Josef Svoboda for the beautiful decoration of Verdi's Traviata. 70 dancers of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica perform choreographies based on the manuals of the famous dance masters of the 19th century. They renew the ancient tradition of this open-air theater that is used to host equestrian parades and dances, as well as a very special game - the ball with the bracelet. However, this is not nostalgia. The intent is to make and communicate culture through productions that are also performed abroad with the certainty that the dances of the Italian tradition can captivate even today’s audiences. This is shown through the event’s grand finale when everyone gets together enthusiastically to dance and to have fun even without tails and crinolines.
Daniela Colucci, TG2, RAI2
It is a passion, the one for historical dances and Tea Dance Parties, that is spreading across Italy. It is where ladies and gentlemen often treat themselves to an evening of waltzes, polkas, mazurkas and quadrilles and attend special dance classes ... but also theme parties in castles, historic palaces and ancient frescoed halls. Cinema has contributed greatly to ignite the waltz mania showing scenes of memorable Costume Ball and the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica has rekindled that spirit.
Maria Lepri, TG2, RAI2
The charm of Sissi is amplified and celebrated by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica in a crescendo of waltzes, quadrilles, mazurkas and polkas. Who wouldn't want to wear those magnificent costumes of the time? Corsets pulled tight at the waist and sumptuous skirts that hide every flaw to allow ladies to dance through the evenings, making a complicated historical period look bathed in light. Those were the years just before the beginning of the great war whose end we celebrate today.
Maria Teresa Fabris,TG2 COSTUME E SOCIETA'
Surrounded by a triumph of frescoes, tapestries and time-old crystals, we cannot but feel like Princess Sissi or Scarlet O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. After a Polonaise, a contredanse, and the Lancieri quadrille, how to resist a Waltz by Strauss? The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica fulfills the dream of every woman and every romantic.
Laura Carcano, TG3, RAITRE
Dancers come out on stage in pairs on the notes of Rossini's aria "Alla Gloria" from I Pretendenti Delusi, the opera that was the first to be performed at the Teatro Sociale of Como in 1813 for the Grand Ball of the 19th century on Lake Como. The 150 dancers of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica with its Master of Ceremonies, Nino Graziano Luca, helped the Teatro Sociale bring back to life a ritual that ran continuously from its origins until the 1960s. Nino Graziano Luca’s accurate philological research work has made it possible to reconstruct romantic dances drawing inspiration from the manuals of the time.
Cinzia Malvini, MODA, LA7
Elegant guests in period costumes coming from all over Italy and several European capitals flocked to attend the Sissi Grand Ball dancing in the very halls where lady Mary Elizabeth Field, wife to Prince Brancaccio, used to organize her fabulous balls. Nino Graziano Luca, director of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica, designed a unique, romantic event as magnificent as those of the 19th century.
Pasquale Piscitelli on TG3, RAITRE
The city of Caserta wishes to hold in a warm embrace the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica and its hundreds of dancers thanking them for staging the GRAND BALL OF THE KINGDOM OF THE TWO SICILIES at the Royal Palace. We followed the Fanfare of the Carabinieri into the majestic halls to embark on a journey back in time. It was a magic evening spent in the King’s halls celebrating the romantic spirit accompanied by some of the most memorable music masterpieces.
Michelle Carpente, actress
I was familiar with Nino’s “Tea Dances” even before I had the pleasure of meeting him. I never had a chance to participate in any of them but people talked about them quite often. Two years ago, Nino asked me to play Sissi in one of his most important productions – The Sissi Grand Ball with the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica. Ever since that day it has been my pleasure to try and participate in each one of his events. It is a great idea and Nino is a fabulous dancer and an excellent Master of Ceremonies.
Katia Greco, actress
"I had the good fortune of being invited by Nino Graziano Luca to attend the GRAND CARNIVAL BALL BETWEEN THE AGES, an event he organized with his Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica during Carnival 2019. It was a fantastic dream-like experience that brought me back in time and made me discover a most beautiful venue I had never visited before, La Pinacoteca del Tesoriere at Palazzo Patrizi in Rome, a true jewel containing a remarkable art collection. Nino was the perfect master of Ceremonies, infectious in his enthusiasm. I greatly admire the passion I see in the way he organizes such large-scale events with a view to educating people anew to a sense of beauty and elegance that unfortunately are wanting at our present time."
Gabriella Cimino, dancer and Pilates instructor in Vienna
Nino is a great master and scholar of historical dances. In his choreographies you can feel the passion, elegance and gallantry of the past. His work is never separated from his social responsibility and commitment. He contributes to elevating our spirits because where there is culture and music, there is joy.
DOTT.SSA AUSILIA PARRINELLO, Psichiatra al CTA Villa Letizia
Caro Nino Graziano Luca, desidero esprimere la mia ammirazione più sincera per la straordinaria abilità e visione artistica che continui a dimostrare come Direttore della Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica. La Tua maestria in ogni coreografia è una testimonianza del tuo talento unico e della passione che metti in ogni creazione.
Il tuo lavoro non solo onora la storia della danza, ma la rende viva, pulsante e capace di emozionare il pubblico con una forza senza pari. Ogni tuo movimento, ogni scelta stilistica, riflette una grande conoscenza e un rispetto profondo per l'arte, che rende ogni spettacolo un'esperienza memorabile.
Sono certa che il tuo talento continuerà a ispirare e a emozionare tutti coloro che avranno il privilegio di assistere alle tue opere. Grazie per la bellezza che regali al mondo attraverso la danza.
Arianna Voto, GIORNALE RADIO on RAI RADIO1
Every woman would love to be Angélique just one time wearing her swishing opalescent organza gown at a ball where gentlemen compete to ask her to waltz. Getting ready for a ball takes time and energy. The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica makes us dream of the fabulous 19th century in Sicily and all over Italy where performances like this are organized more and more frequently. A reason for this comeback could be that romanticism and amorous encounters are still needed today when personal relations are rapidly consumed through social media and WhatsApp.
ENRICO URBANI, Ambasciatore della Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica
Caro Nino, oggi mi viene di fare questa riflessione: l'ostinata speranza, che spesso dimostri quando si fanno difficili i rapporti con le persone, ben rappresenta la speranza per una resurrezione di amore (e rispetto) nel cuore delle persone, che non bisognerebbe mai perdere, anche se .... la logica della nostra società farebbe dire il contrario. La Santa Pasqua rappresenta anche questo e tu ne dai spesso testimonianza. Ti ringrazio per questo insegnamento.
Con grande affetto Enrico
PROF. DOTT. ANTONIO ABBATE, Medico-Chirurgo, omeopata e Docente di Omeopatia presso l'Università degli Studi di Bologna.
Carissimo Nino è veramente un piacere, una grande soddisfazione partecipare e condividere un progetto di rilevante interesse non solamente culturale, ma anche sociale come il tuo. Abbiamo un grande bisogno di gesti che promuovano solidarietà, rispetto e cooperazione tra persone di buona volontà.
Le tue iniziative e il tuo spenderti generosamente corrispondono con la mia filosofia di vita: al male, alla violenza e alla disperazione occorre contrapporre tolleranza, cultura, bellezza e benevolenza. Nei periodi storici di grande crisi è necessario che si mantengano vivi i valori che fanno dell'uomo la più preziosa creatura del creato. La giusta corresponsione di ogni gesto dettato dal male è un atto ispirato dal bene.
ARIANNA GABALLO, ballerina - "La mia esperienza con la Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica".
Arianna Gaballo: "la mia esperienza con la Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica".
La magia della Danza Storica risiede nella sua capacità di eternizzare l’umano essere che in fin dei conti è destinato a morire. Ma la bellezza non muore mai e quel che desta meraviglia al nostro animo, per quanto fugace su questa Terra, lascia traccia nella memoria dei tempi. Ciò che è vero è bello e questo basta a perpetuarlo. La Danza è arte trasparente, non conosce menzogna, e quando in essa due sguardi si incontrano trasuda verità e purezza. Mi è capitato danzando di rinvenire un pezzetto di me negli occhi di qualcun altro, un sentire profondo perdutosi e dissolto nell’oblio e nella confusione delle emozioni quotidiane. La Danza Storica è il momento in cui ci si ritrova e si avverte l’inattesa sensazione di appartenenza: condividere un presente d’arte con qualcuno di cui non si conosce passato, e non lo si pretende, perché quello che conta è adesso. Il potere di questa Danza è distoglierti da pensieri pregiudicanti, portandoti con sé in una dimensione quasi sognante: cosa c’è di più necessario all’uomo del bene stare? Gli eventi organizzati in cui i balli storici sono protagonisti assoluti rivelano un concetto prezioso: il beneficio della condivisione. Si condivide eleganza indicibile e raffinatezza, l’incedere è maestoso, brillante, calmo, varia minuziosamente quando necessario nel servizievole rapporto con la musica. Quel momento in cui il mio corpo è vicino al tuo siamo due identità diverse e lontane sulla linea del tempo. Può accadere che l’anziano incontri il giovane, ma questo non è importante perché il potere della Danza è unire ed eguagliare le più disparate esistenze. Si apprendono molte cose attraverso l’esperienza pratica della Danza Storica. Per esempio, si può essere seri e concentrati ma allo stesso tempo godere di sana leggerezza, ripristinare una sensazione di armonia assoluta che a volte la gente perde, chissà dove, dentro sé o tra le insidie del mondo. Il corpo che danza scrive poesie personalissime, le scrive senza parole, con la sola punteggiatura delle mani, delle braccia, dei piedi, della testa e degli occhi. La Danza Storica rivela concetti umanamente ed artisticamente strabilianti. Essa attraversa il tempo avendo una profonda cura di quel che l’uomo è stato e di quel che è diventato, e come una madre lo rispetta e gli resta fedele a partire dal più piccolo seme emozionale riposto all’alba della sua esistenza.
Pina Fazio - 'U gran ballu di l'ottucentu poesia dedicata a Nino Graziano Luca e Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica
'U gran ballu di l'ottucentu
Nino Graziano Luca e 'a so cumpagnia,
nî rjalaru 'na sirata di allegria.
A Ciumifriddu puttau 'n eventu,
ca rievoca 'a storia, ma cu divertimentu.
'Na sirata danzanti cu "Gran ballu di l'ottucentu",
caricu di emozioni e sintimentu.
Organizzatu cu tanta passioni,
dari 'na botta di vita era l'intenzioni.
Ninu 'n personaggiu di tanta cultura,
di esibirisi ndo so' paisi, non videva l'ura.
Di picciriddu già aveva 'ntinzioni,
di farisi strada nda televisioni.
'U presentatori ci piaceva fari,
e cu tantu 'mpegnu, sâ sappi spidugghiari.
Ma 'u so' portamentu e l'eleganza,
'u purtaru a moviri 'i passi nda 'sta danza.
Diritturi artisticu, cu tanta maistria,
potta avanti 'sta bella cumpagnia.
Dicitimi di no, si non l'ata pinsatu,
non è 'n pinzeri complicatu.
A ranni e picciriddi ni piacissi,
essiri pî 'na sira 'a Principessa Sissi.
Accumpagnati o vrazzu di un gran Duca,
.... di 'n grandi artista.... Nino Graziano Luca.
Elena Cuccio, ballerina
Danzare all’interno di salotti dai tetti affrescati, con gli specchi alle pareti. Sentire il fruscio delle ampie gonne delle dame. Non più immagini nella testa, da lettrice di romanzi storici, ma realtà da vivere in prima persona, da trasmettere agli altri, con la stessa passione con la quale a me è stata trasmessa dalla Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica.
BARBARA NARCISO, allieva CNDS
Caro Nino, sto rientrando a Roma, rifletto e mi chiedo come si possano concentrare in una sola persona tanti talenti. Capacità artistiche, organizzative, didattiche. Il tutto condito da sensibilità e intelligenza.
Credo sia soprattutto la tua intelligenza emotiva la chiave del tuo successo, dove per successo non intendo stare sotto i riflettori (che pure ti riesce, guarda caso) ma soprattutto realizzare i propri sogni. E tu sei capace di farlo trascinando anche noi nella tua progettualità e passione.
Grazie di cuore per questa nuova, grande esperienza veneziana.
PAOLA VIOLA, allieva della CNDS
Voglio dedicare ad un grande maestro di danza poche parole. Il mondo è pieno di grandi uomini, nella scienza, nella filosofia ecc ... ma Nino riesce ad abbracciare tanti campi facendo diventare Arte, una danza che profuma di fiaba. Ai giorni nostri credo che questo sia un tesoro da custodire visto il materialismo che ci circonda. Tanti auguri allora a una persona dal grande spirito organizzativo, raffinato e creatore del bello ma soprattutto capace di mettere determinazione e cuore in tutto quello che fa. Con lui la danza diventa capolavoro.
