Braggiotti, Francesca (1902–1998)

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Braggiotti, Francesca (1902–1998)

Italian-American interpretive dancer and actress. Name variations: Francesca Lodge; Mrs. John Davis Lodge. Born Oct 17, 1902, in Florence, Italy; died Feb 25, 1998, in Marbella, Italy; sister of Berthe and Gloria Braggiotti; m. John Davis Lodge (governor of CT), 1938 (died 1985); children: Lily (b. 1930) and Beatrice (b. 1938).

Studied with Mlle La Roche while growing up in Florence; trained at Denishawn's summer encampment in Peterborough, NH; with sister Gloria, performed in St. Denis' Cupid and Psyche (1923); performed solo concerts (1920s) and as part of Denishawn Lewisohn Stadium program, appearing in St. Denis' The Lamp (1928); retired from dance (mid-1930s) and returned to Italy to star in film epics; was one of Greta Garbo's Italian dubbers.