Lucia Chase

American dancer and ballet director

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July 16, 2026

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Lucia Chase was an American dancer and ballet director who co-founded the American Ballet Theatre in 1939 with Richard Pleasant. She served as the company's director from 1945 to 1980. During her tenure, the company presented works by renowned choreographers and featured many celebrated dancers.1

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American Ballet Theatre
…was founded in 1939 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant and presented its first performance on January 11, 1940. Chase was director, with Oliver Smith, from 1945 to 1980. The dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov was artistic director from 1980 to 1989. Smith and Jane Hermann held the post from 1990 to…
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…was founded in 1939 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant and presented its first performance on January 11, 1940. Chase was director, with Oliver Smith, from 1945 to 1980. The dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov was artistic director from 1980 to 1989. Smith and Jane Hermann held the post from 1990 to…
Read More