Tell us about your dance studies
I took my first dance steps at a school near my home that taught Latin dances. After two years, my first teacher, Monica, recommended that I audition for the Ballet school of San Carlo Theatre, and so in 2006, I became a student there. In 2014, after 8 years of study, I received my diploma under the direction of Anna Razzi and immediately began my career with the San Carlo company, where in 2022 I was appointed Étoile by Clotilde Vayer.
Tell us about your experience at Teatro San Carlo
The Teatro San Carlo has become like a second home to me. It has allowed me to become the person I am today and to meet wonderful people and artists. In the early years of my career, I started with corps de ballet roles. Shortly after, thanks to the people who believed in me, I began taking on my first soloist and principal dancer roles, such as Proust ou les intermittences du cœur, the Pas de trois in Swan Lake, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Prince in The Nutcracker, and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.
In 2022 you have been nominated Etoile at Teatro San Carlo, how did you feel about it?
Being nominated Étoile at the Teatro San Carlo in 2022 was an incredibly emotional and rewarding moment for me. It felt like a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and I was deeply honored by the recognition. It was also a moment of gratitude, as I realized how far I’ve come with the support of so many people who believed in me along the way.
You also worked for Arena di Verona, tell us more about this experience.
When I received the offer to play the role of Manolios in the ballet Zorba the Greek, I immediately accepted because the foundation hadn’t staged a ballet since 2016, and I felt honored to be part of the “return” of ballet to Verona.
How do you keep in shape?
In addition to classes and working hours in the theater, I try to balance gym or Gyrotonic training and, of course, a correct nutrition.
Do you have any suggestion for young dancers?
Yes, I have a few suggestions for young dancers:
Consistency in practice and a passion for improvement are key. Keep challenging yourself, even when progress feels slow. The journey of a dancer is filled with both triumphs and failures. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to grow from them.
Remember, the path to becoming a great dancer is unique for everyone, and while it’s a journey that takes time, your passion and perseverance will carry you through.
Do you have a favourite repertoire?
My favorite repertoire is definitely the classical one. For example, I really enjoy challenging myself with ballets featuring Nureyev’s choreography, which are full of difficulties but incredibly rewarding to perform. However, I am also very drawn to the contemporary repertoire, such as Forsythe’s works, where there is a phenomenal harmony between the music and the movements.
Do you have a favourite dance role?
Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Mac Millan) — because It’s one of the most emotionally roles that I had the honor to dance. I liked being Romeo’s beacause required not only technic but also deep emotions and connection with Juliet.
Tell us a curiosity about you
I am very attached to my family and my loved ones, and in my free time, I always try to make time for them. I love traveling, and thanks to my job, I get the chance to visit new places. I am passionate about pop music, but my favorite artist is Beyoncé.
What do you think about the italian dance scene?
The Italian dance scene is full of talent and has so much to offer, but unfortunately, Italian institutions do not provide the right support for ballet in theaters. For this reason, our talents are often forced to emigrate abroad. I hope that one day this situation will improve, and that the Italian ballet tradition can shine once again.
PH: Federica Capo , Luciano Romano