Famous Italian Dancers

Bruno Tonioli is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his work as a television personality, choreographer, and dancer. He has served as a judge on various popular television talent shows in both the UK and the US, including Strictly Come Dancing, Britain's Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, and Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann. With his expertise and vibrant personality, Bruno has become a well-respected and influential figure in the world of dance and entertainment.

Roberto Bolle is a renowned ballet dancer known for his performances with the American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet in London. He began his ballet training at a young age and later studied at the La Scala theatre ballet school. Bolle has established himself as a prominent figure in the ballet world, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and artistry. In addition to his successful career on stage, he has also dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts as a UNICEF ambassador.

Heather Elizabeth Parisi is a renowned dancer, singer, and television personality known for her significant contributions to Italian entertainment. Rising to fame in the late 1970s, she became one of the most beloved figures on Italian television throughout the 1980s and 1990s. With a successful career spanning decades, Heather has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. Her work in the entertainment industry has solidified her status as a cultural icon and a respected figure in the world of performing arts.

Pierina Legnani was a renowned Italian ballerina known for her exceptional technique and artistry. She rose to fame for her performances in various ballets, including "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty." Legnani was celebrated for her precise footwork, brilliant turns, and the invention of the famous 32 fouettés en tournant sequence. She was the first ballerina to achieve the feat of performing multiple fouettés on pointe. Legnani's talent and dedication solidified her legacy as one of the greatest ballerinas in history.

Carla Fracci was an Italian prima ballerina, actress, and ballet director known for her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of ballet. She was a leading dancer at La Scala Theatre Ballet in Milan and performed with prestigious international companies such as the Royal Ballet in London, Stuttgart Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Fracci's acclaimed interpretations of leading roles in Romantic ballets like La Sylphide, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet set new standards in the industry. She also directed ballet companies in Italy, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of dance.

Alessandra Ferri is an accomplished Italian prima ballerina known for her exceptional talent and artistry. Throughout her career, she has performed with prestigious dance companies such as the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and La Scala Theatre Ballet. Renowned for her captivating performances, Ferri has also appeared as a guest artist on international stages. After temporarily retiring in 2007, she made a triumphant comeback in 2013. Her remarkable skill and dedication have earned her the esteemed title of prima ballerina assoluta.

Carlotta Grisi was an Italian ballet dancer known for her exceptional talent and skill. She trained at the prestigious ballet school of Teatro alla Scala in Milan and honed her craft under the guidance of renowned dancer and balletmaster Jules Perrot. Grisi achieved great acclaim for her performances, particularly in the iconic role of Giselle. Her professional life was marked by dedication, passion, and a profound ability to captivate audiences with her grace and artistry on the stage.

Lodovica Comello is a versatile Italian performer known for her work as an actress, television presenter, singer, and dancer. She achieved global recognition for portraying the character "Francesca" in the popular Argentine Disney Channel series Violetta. Comello's talent and charisma have allowed her to establish a successful career in the entertainment industry, showcasing her skills in acting, hosting, music, and dance. With her engaging performances and international appeal, Comello has captivated audiences and earned a dedicated following throughout her professional journey.

Carmen Russo is a versatile Italian entertainer known for her work as a showgirl, television personality, actress, dancer, model, dance teacher, and occasional singer. Beginning her career as a model in the 1970s, she gained fame for her roles in Italian sex comedy films. Transitioning to television in the 1980s, she became popular for her appearances in variety shows such as Drive In and Grand Hotel. She has also competed in reality shows and released several studio albums during her career.

Flavia Cacace is an accomplished Italian British professional dancer known for her partnership with Vincent Simone, performing together as 'Vincent and Flavia'. They gained fame for their appearances on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2012. Cacace has showcased her exceptional talent, skill, and passion for dance through various performances and collaborations. With her dedication to the art of dance, she has captivated audiences worldwide and established herself as a prominent figure in the dance industry.

Eleonora Abbagnato is an accomplished Italian ballet dancer, model, and actress. She served as Étoile at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet from 2013 to 2021. Throughout her career, Abbagnato has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent, grace, and dedication to her art. Her performances on stage have garnered widespread acclaim and admiration, establishing her as a prominent figure in the world of ballet. Abbagnato's versatility as a performer and her ability to embody a range of roles have solidified her reputation as a true master of her craft.

José Greco was an Italian-born American flamenco dancer and choreographer renowned for his contributions to popularizing Spanish dance in America during the 1950s and 1960s. With a career spanning decades, Greco made a significant impact on the stage and screen through his captivating performances. He skillfully blended traditional flamenco techniques with innovative choreography, captivating audiences worldwide. Greco's dedication to promoting Spanish dance not only showcased his exceptional talent but also helped establish flamenco as a respected art form in the United States.

Enrico Cecchetti was an influential Italian ballet dancer, mime, and founder of the Cecchetti method. Praised for his agility, strength, and technical abilities, he had a successful career in Europe before joining the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia. He later became a renowned teacher, instructing notable dancers such as Anna Pavlova, Léonide Massine, and Vaslav Nijinsky. Cecchetti's choreography and performances, including roles in Petipa's masterpieces, left a lasting impact on the ballet world, influencing male variations and ballet traditions.

Haruhiko Yamanouchi is a versatile Japanese-Italian artist with a rich professional background. Starting as a mime, he transitioned into acting, dancing, choreography, and voice acting. With over 100 film and TV credits since 1976, he has collaborated with renowned directors and gained recognition for his villainous roles in prominent international productions. Yamanouchi's expertise extends to translating and dubbing Japanese films into Italian, showcasing his linguistic and artistic talents. Residing in Italy since 1975, he continues to contribute significantly to the entertainment industry.

Fanny Cerrito was an Italian ballet dancer and choreographer known for her brilliance, strength, and vivacity in dancing. Trained under renowned choreographers, she quickly gained recognition for her talent. She danced and choreographed for various prestigious theaters, captivating audiences in Italy and abroad. Her collaborations with Jules Perrot produced acclaimed works like Ondine and Alma. Cerrito's choreographic skills were further highlighted with the success of her ballet Rosida. She was a respected dancer at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and participated in significant performances such as the Pas de Quatre.

Lorella Cuccarini Persili is a versatile Italian entertainer known for her talents in dancing, television presenting, singing, and acting. With a career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences with her energetic dance performances and charismatic on-screen presence. As a television presenter, she has hosted various popular shows, showcasing her versatility and charm. Her singing abilities have also garnered attention, and she has released music that resonates with fans. Lorella Cuccarini's professional life is a testament to her talent and passion for the entertainment industry.

Emilio de' Cavalieri was an Italian composer, producer, organist, diplomat, choreographer, and dancer during the Renaissance era. As a member of the Roman School of composers, he played a crucial role in shaping the transition to the Baroque era. He was known for his contributions to the development of monody and is credited with composing one of the earliest oratorios. Cavalieri's work, alongside other composers from Rome, Florence, and Venice, left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of his time.

Alessandra Martines is an accomplished Italian French dancer and actress with a diverse career in the English, French, and Italian speaking-worlds. She began her journey in ballet on international opera stages before transitioning to television, where she gained recognition for her roles in the Fantaghirò series and auteur productions by Claude Lelouch. Martines has been awarded numerous prizes for her outstanding performances, including Best Actress awards at prestigious film festivals and recognition by the French Republic. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been celebrated with accolades such as the lifetime achievement Kineo Award.

Filippo Taglioni was an Italian dancer and choreographer known for his work in the Romantic ballet era. He was the personal teacher to his daughter, renowned ballerina Marie Taglioni, and also had another child, Paul Taglioni, who danced ballet. Taglioni is credited as the original choreographer of La Sylphide in 1832, a ballet that has become a classic in the repertoire. While August Bournonville's version is more well-known, Taglioni's contributions to ballet history are significant and enduring.

Carlo Blasis was an influential Italian dancer, choreographer, and dance theoretician known for his rigorous dance classes lasting up to four hours. He gained recognition for his precise teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of learning theories and definitions of dance steps. Blasis performed in various countries, including France, Italy, London, and Russia. Notably, he trained Enrico Cecchetti's teachers, influencing Cecchetti to develop the renowned Cecchetti method of ballet. Blasis's professional legacy is marked by his dedication to dance education and his significant impact on the development of ballet techniques.

Milena Vukotic is an Italian former ballerina and a renowned stage, television, and film actress. Throughout her illustrious career, she has captivated audiences with her exceptional performances across various mediums. Known for her versatility and talent, Vukotic has portrayed a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. Her contributions to the world of entertainment have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Vukotic's passion for the arts and dedication to her craft have solidified her reputation as a highly respected and accomplished professional.

Salvatore Viganò was an Italian choreographer, dancer, and composer. He studied composition with 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 Beethoven. He is credited with introducing a new performance style called "coreodramma," blending pantomime with dance. Viganò served as ballet master at La Scala ballet school in Milan and left a lasting impact on the world of ballet and choreography.

Vincent Simone is an Italian professional dancer known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2012. He gained popularity for his performances alongside professional partner Flavia Cacace under the brand name Vincent and Flavia. Their captivating dance routines have garnered widespread acclaim and admiration from audiences. Simone's skill, passion, and charisma on the dance floor have solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile performer in the world of dance.

Gasparo Angiolini was an influential Italian dancer, choreographer, and composer known for his work in ballet. He directed ballet at the Imperial Theatre in Vienna, collaborating closely with Christoph Willibald von Gluck on notable works such as Don Juan and Orfeo ed Euridice. He later became director of the Imperial Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he introduced pantomime ballet and incorporated elements of Russian culture into his works. Angiolini also worked in Teatro San Benedetto in Venice and directed the theatre of La Scala in Milan, showcasing his interest in the dramatic aspects of dance and advocating for Italian nationalism.