Introducing Roberto Bolle is no easy task. His career shines with success, international acclaim, and unforgettable performances. Yet, Bolle is much more than a ballet dancer; he is a national treasure and a symbol of beauty, discipline, and the transformative power of art.
Introducing Roberto Bolle is no easy task. His career shines with success, international acclaim, and unforgettable performances, yet Bolle is much more than merely a ballet dancer. In a country that has produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and countless other cultural giants, Bolle remains a modern icon: a national treasure and a symbol of beauty, discipline, and the transformative power of art.
Watching him dance is like witnessing something sacred. Bolle doesn’t just perform; he communicates. He transforms the intangible into the tangible, making you feel. It is not just his beauty and elegance but also an inner light—a quiet humility, sharp intellect, and steadfast devotion to his craft.
The Journey of an Icon
Born in Casale Monferrato in 1975, he was accepted into La Scala’s prestigious ballet school at the age of twelve. By fifteen, he had already caught the attention of Rudolf Nureyev, who cast him in a leading role—though La Scala ultimately decided he was too young to perform it. Undeterred, Bolle’s rise continued. At twenty, he became a principal dancer at Teatro alla Scala, and later made history as the first Italian male dancer to join the American Ballet Theatre as a principal. Watching him dance is like witnessing something sacred. Bolle doesn’t just perform; he communicates. He transforms the intangible into the tangible, making you feel.
It is not just his beauty and elegance, often captured in photographs, but also an inner light that defines him— a quiet humility, sharp intellect, and steadfast devotion to his craft. Whether under the spotlight or far from it, one truth remains: Bolle doesn’t just move; he connects. Through that connection, something rare and timeless is revealed—something profoundly human, almost divine.
In conversation, Bolle exudes the same quiet sophistication that characterises his performances. He doesn’t seek attention; he attracts it effortlessly, engaging those around him with calm presence and sincerity. There’s a subtle magnetism about him, a depth and focus that draws you into his world, one grounded in discipline, creativity, and unwavering purpose.
His influence extends far beyond the theatre. Through Roberto Bolle and Friends, he brings ballet to piazzas, stadiums, and television screens, making the art form more accessible to wider audiences and younger generations. His ‘Danza con Me’ specials have become cultural landmarks, blending classical mastery with vibrant, contemporary energy.
Offstage, as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and passionate supporter of the arts, Bolle continues to set an example. Whether he is dancing or speaking, he reminds us that beauty, when presented with sincerity, has the power to heal, uplift, and inspire change.
Roberto Bolle embodies the quiet force of a revolution , not one of noise, but of grace.
We are really looking forward to your upcoming show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November. What can audiences expect to see that they haven’t seen from you before?
This is my first time bringing the gala ‘Roberto Bolle and Friends’ to London, so the audience will see many pieces I’ve never performed here before. I am particularly delighted to have this opportunity, as I hold a deep affection for London. I first performed here in 1997 at the Royal Albert Hall, followed by numerous appearances at the Royal Opera House. I have an audience that has supported me for years and watched me grow and develop. It’s extraordinary to be able to present a significant project from my career here.
Could you tell us how “Roberto Bolle and Friends” initially began? You have been touring with the project since 2000, and with more dates already scheduled for 2026, what is the ultimate purpose of this ongoing journey, and how do you see it developing in the years to come?
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the gala, an incredible journey that began in a small provincial theatre and has since expanded to grand arenas, Piazza Duomo in Milan, and numerous stages worldwide. It was inspired by my desire to take dance beyond traditional theatre settings and make it more accessible to the public. The audience can enjoy some of the most renowned classical pieces alongside works by contemporary choreographers. The programme alternates between styles, choreographies, and artists, all aiming to showcase the talent and artistry of the performers on stage.
With your iconic status as Étoile of La Scala in Milan, Guest Principal at the Royal Opera House for twenty-six years, and Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre in New York, is there anything else you still dream of adding to this already extraordinary list of achievements?
No, I must say that reality has far surpassed anything I ever imagined. I am grateful to life and to fate, which continue to bring me unforgettable moments and achievements I never thought possible.
We recently saw you in Onegin at the Royal Opera House in London, delivering a mesmerising performance. You bring such depth and intensity to every role you undertake, but is there one, or perhaps two, or more, that stands out as particularly meaningful or defining for you?
Onegin is definitely among my favourite roles because it allows me to showcase a deep artistic and interpretative side, conveyed through a variety of nuances that bring the character to life. And for once, he’s not the typical heroic or positive figure, but rather a tormented, dark, and world-weary man, much more intriguing to portray.
As a global ambassador of Italian art, culture, and fashion, how does your identity as an Italian artist influence your presence on the world stage, both in your performances and in the way you represent Italy beyond dance?
Being an Italian artist means carrying a legacy of beauty, art, and culture that is admired and respected worldwide. I am very proud to be Italian and to uphold this extraordinary artistic tradition. Growing up amidst such beauty from an early age has undoubtedly cultivated my aesthetic sensibility and enriched my artistic awareness.
I have watched your magnificent Boléro by Ravel performance at the Sanremo Music Festival countless times. What did that piece mean to you personally, and what was the creative process like in bringing such a powerful and unforgettable performance to life?
Boléro is a masterpiece of 20th-century contemporary dance. The fusion of visual elements, choreography, and music creates a uniquely powerful experience. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of dancing it, but for many years, that wasn’t possible. It wasn’t until after I turned 40 that I finally made my debut in the role, which remains one of my absolute favourites to this day.
Do you ever feel that your body, as a dancer, becomes a vessel for something beyond ego or identity, serving as a channel for pure expression or energy?
Absolutely. The body is a remarkable instrument, capable of expressing the beauty, poetry, and magic of dance, as well as conveying its deeper values: discipline, respect, and daily dedication to self-improvement. Like all art forms, dance has the power to connect us with the most beautiful parts of ourselves. That’s why it’s so important to nurture it and let it become a part of our lives.
What advice would you offer to young dancers dreaming of a future like yours, especially those from smaller towns or facing challenges?
Every journey in life is challenging and filled with obstacles. But unlike many other paths, dance opens the door to the world of theatre, which can profoundly enrich our lives.
During our photo shoot at the Royal Opera House, we were captivated by how you connected with the clothes from various designers. It wasn’t just about wearing them; you were feeling and embodying them, which was truly beautiful to see. Is fashion an essential part of your life, and do you envisage more creative collaborations in the future?
I hope so. The world of fashion entered my life early, and by the age of 21, I had become the principal dancer at La Scala, in a city that is a global centre of fashion. It’s a natural link between two worlds that creates beauty and magic, allowing you to step into realms that are both fantastical and elegant.
You have danced in the world’s most prestigious theatres, from La Scala to the Met. Is there still one stage that gives you butterflies?
I would say all of them. Every time I step onto the stage, I feel a rush of emotion—sometimes even a hint of anxiety. However, some theatres evoke something deeper within me, places where my connection feels particularly strong. Without doubt, London’s Royal Opera House and La Scala hold a special place in my heart.
You are in exceptional shape at 50, and ballet is a highly demanding art form. How do you keep your body and mind in harmony after so many years at the top?
On one hand, I have a personal mindset that tends to face challenges with a positive and confident attitude. On the other hand, there is the intense effort on my body and lifestyle, which requires many sacrifices. Now that I am 50, the challenge is greater than it was when I was 20 or 30 years old.
Apart from pesciolini (dried small fish) and dried fruit, your famously healthy go-to snacks, what is the one indulgence you simply cannot do without?
I love ice cream, especially dark chocolate.
You have introduced classical ballet to a broader audience through your television specials and collaborations. Why is making the arts more accessible so important to you?
Because dance is an excellent art form, many people shy away from it due to prejudice or simply because they don’t know it well and see it as distant or difficult to understand. My mission is to make it known to as many people as possible. That’s why I bring it to television, and for the past eight years, I’ve organised OnDance in Milan—a four-day celebration of dance filled with free events. And just last year, I launched a foundation that bears my name.
In your opinion, what is the greatest misconception the public has about ballet dancers or ballet as an art form?
The misconception is that ballet can sometimes appear dull and uninspiring. In fact, it can effortlessly captivate audiences when performed by talented artists and supported by a high-quality production.
What was it like to dance at Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee and perform in front of Her Majesty? Did that experience feel different from other performances?
That was undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my life. I never imagined I would dance in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace. It felt like living a dream. It’s hard to put the emotion into words.
Could you share the moment you found out you had been appointed Principal Ballet Dancer at La Scala in Milan? It must have been an intensely emotional experience.
I immediately rang my parents and burst into tears. I knew I was finally repaying them for all the sacrifices they had made over the years to help me reach that milestone.
Looking ahead, how would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who inspires others to discover their voice in art. I find joy in inspiring young people by setting a positive example and sharing moments filled with poetry and beauty.
Roberto Bolle will be at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on 11th November 2025.
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Words by Marcella Martinelli