Chase, Lucia

Chase, Lucia

(1907–86) ballet dancer, ballet company administrator; born in Waterbury, Conn. After pursuing a career in theater and music, she took ballet lessons with Mikhail Mordkin and performed in his company from 1937–40. A charter member and dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, she became codirector in 1944. Totally involved in the company, especially fundraising, until her retirement in 1980, she helped it become one of the world's greatest dance troupes.