A Star is Gone? Domenico Luciano
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“At 6’ 3” and a dead ringer for Michelangelo’s David, Luciano is a mighty presence. He evokes an animal energy with his seemingly endless lines.”
Nancy Wozny for Pointe Magazine January 2010.
On April 14th, 2019, Domenico Luciano's last performance with Colorado Ballet, the Ballet held a special reception to honor him and say goodbye. He retired after 20 years of professional dancing and 14 years as principal dancer. You may know of him as Dracula, Romeo, the prince in The Nutcracker or other starring roles.
When I heard this news from Sharon Wehner, also a much-loved former principle dancer who retired in 2018, I was surprised and deeply saddened to know that a dancer who performed with such strength and vigor had reached the end of his career, even though 20 years is far beyond average for a ballet dancer. It was like the closing of a longtime favorite restaurant closing – a loss of something I looked forward to and enjoyed sharing with friends.
I told Sharon that Domenico is THE most kind and generous person. I listened to him on YouTube answering 10 Questions, and when he was asked about what three words describe him, he answered, “Kind, generous and available.” YES! That's truly who he is. He's intentional and always highly conscious of others before himself, always willing to listen and be of help.
Domenico loves working with artists of all kinds, and I first had the pleasure of meeting him when he offered to pose for one of my first ballet art works, His Majesty.) I was a bit apprehensive because of his height and mighty presence on stage. He was far taller than any models I had worked with at that time, and I didn’t know if my studio walls were tall enough. But I had long wanted to create a series simulating ancient Greek statues. Big, strong, and regal, he was perfect to be my first subject for this.
Since then, we've created two more works together and run into each other at several Colorado Ballet events. Since his retirement event, I learned from Domenico that the timing of his transition was spurred by a need for knee surgery and the opportunity to become Colorado Ballet’s Academy Principal. Those lucky students! Domenico has the ability and temperament to launch many new stars into the ballet universe. He will also continue to dance guest opportunities independently. I am thankful for that. I'd love to watch him dance forever