Famous Italian Choreographers

Bruno Tonioli is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his work as a television personality, choreographer, and dancer. With a career spanning across both British and American television, he has served as a judge on various popular talent shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Britain's Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars. His expertise and charisma have made him a beloved and respected figure in the world of dance and entertainment, contributing to the success and popularity of the shows he has been a part of.

José Greco was an Italian-born American flamenco dancer and choreographer who made a significant impact in popularizing Spanish dance in America during the 1950s and 1960s. With his captivating performances on stage and screen, he brought the artistry of flamenco to a wider audience. Greco's passion and skill in traditional Spanish dance forms, such as flamenco, earned him acclaim as a leading figure in the dance world. Through his innovative choreography and dynamic performances, he left a lasting legacy in the realm of Spanish dance.

Flavia Cacace-Mistry is an accomplished Italian British professional dancer known for her partnership with Vincent Simone as 'Vincent and Flavia'. Together, they gained popularity for their performances on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2012. Cacace's professional career highlights her exceptional talent and skill in dance, captivating audiences with her graceful and dynamic performances. Her collaboration with Simone has led to a successful and enduring partnership, showcasing their chemistry and artistry on various platforms.

Haruhiko Yamanouchi, also known as Hal Yamanouchi, is a versatile Japanese and naturalized-Italian professional with a diverse career in acting, dancing, choreography, voice acting, and writing. Beginning as a mime, he transitioned to acting and choreography in various stage productions. With over 100 film and television credits since the 1970s, he has worked with renowned directors in genre films. Yamanouchi is recognized internationally for his compelling villainous roles in prominent movies like Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Wolverine. Additionally, he has contributed to the film industry by translating and dubbing Japanese films into Italian.

Fanny Cerrito was an Italian ballet dancer and choreographer known for her brilliance, strength, and vivacity in dancing. She trained under renowned choreographers and gained recognition for her talent early in her career. Cerrito's fame spread beyond Italy, leading her to perform in Vienna and Milan where she collaborated with Jules Perrot on choreographed works. Her choreographic talent was acknowledged when she presented her own ballet, Rosida. Cerrito's professional success culminated in her well-respected tenure at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and her participation in the Pas de Quatre alongside other renowned dancers.

Emilio de' Cavalieri was a versatile Italian composer, producer, organist, diplomat, choreographer, and dancer. A key figure at the end of the Renaissance era, his contributions were instrumental in shaping the transition to the Baroque period. As a member of the Roman School of composers, he played a significant role in early monody composition and is credited with creating one of the first oratorios. His work, along with that of his contemporaries in Rome, Florence, and Venice, left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of the time.

Filippo Taglioni was an Italian dancer and choreographer known for his work in ballet. He was the personal teacher to his daughter, Marie Taglioni, a renowned Romantic ballerina. Taglioni also choreographed the iconic ballet La Sylphide in 1832, establishing his legacy in the dance world. His contributions to ballet history and the development of Romantic ballet style are significant, despite August Bournonville's more popular adaptation of La Sylphide. Taglioni's influence as a choreographer and teacher continues to resonate in the world of dance.

Carlo Blasis was an Italian dancer, choreographer, and dance theoretician known for his rigorous dance classes that could last up to four hours. He gained recognition for dancing in various countries including France, Italy, London, and Russia. Blasis emphasized the importance of learning theories and definitions of dance steps, influencing the training of renowned ballet teacher Enrico Cecchetti. It is believed that Blasis's teachings played a significant role in inspiring Cecchetti to develop the Cecchetti method of ballet, shaping the future of ballet education.

Salvatore Viganò was an Italian choreographer, dancer, and composer known for his innovative contributions to ballet and performance. He studied composition under Luigi Boccherini and began composing original music in the mid-1780s. Viganò performed as a dancer in various European cities and collaborated with notable figures like Jean Dauberval and Ludwig van Beethoven. He introduced a new form of performance known as "coreodramma," emphasizing the importance of pantomime and ensemble dance. Viganò's work as a ballet master at La Scala ballet school in Milan solidified his legacy in the world of dance.

Gasparo Angiolini was an Italian dancer, choreographer, and composer known for his significant contributions to ballet in Vienna, St. Petersburg, Venice, and Milan. He directed ballet at the Imperial Theatre in Vienna, closely collaborating with Gluck on major works. Angiolini introduced pantomime ballet to Russia and incorporated Russian cultural elements into his choreography. He emphasized the dramatic aspects of dance and advocated for Italian nationalism. His legacy includes training prominent dancers such as Vincenzo Galeotti and inspiring future generations in the art of ballet.