Bavarian ballet spectacular to grace Cork's Opera House

Lucia Lacarra tells Jo Kerrigan how she was inspired to be a ballerina by a little wind-up jewellery box.

FOR its 21st anniversary this month, Cork City Ballet has certainly gone all the way, managing to secure for its Ballet Spectacular world-renowned prima ballerina Lucia Lacarra and her partner, Marlon Dino.

Spanish-born Lacarra, who was dancing leading roles by the age of 15, is now star of the Bavarian State Ballet. Her Albanian-born partner, Marlon Dino, a tall and perfect foil to his tiny ballerina, is principal dancer with the Bavarian State Ballet. He and Lucia are partners both on the stage and off, which gives their performances a unique quality.