Enrico Cecchetti

1850-1928

Born in the arts...

During 1850 in a dressing room in a theatre of Rome, Italy, Enrico Cecchetti was born into a family steeped in the performing arts. He began his ballet training at a young age, eventually becoming a principal dancer with prestigious companies across Europe. Cecchetti was not only a talented performer but also a dedicated teacher, developing the Cecchetti Method, which emphasized the importance of technique, musicality, and artistry in ballet. His method gained widespread recognition for its structured approach to training dancers, focusing on body alignment and movement quality. Cecchetti's influence extended globally, as he taught and inspired countless dancers and instructors, shaping the future of ballet education. Even after his passing in 1928, the principles of the Cecchetti Method continue to be taught in ballet schools worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of ballet pedagogy.

Enrico Cecchetti instructing ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Resources on Cecchetti Method

“Aim at softness and ease in your performance of a dance. Endeavor that all shall be harmonious.

However hard you work at your lessons or at rehearsals, let none of this effort be visible in your performance. There must be no sign of concentration, exertion, or tension.

All must be free and natural. For the true art is that which conceals the labor that produced it.”

-Enrico Cecchetti

Cecchetti had a specific dance class for each day of the week, Monday through Saturday.