Nationality: Italian
Plans after graduation: Arnhem Introdans

How long have you been dancing and what do you love most about it?
I started to dance at the age of eight, although some say I have been dancing even before. I used to lack self-esteem and confidence, and I was sort of shy as a kid. Through dance I started to learn how to control my nerves, anxiety, and stress when it came to interacting with a big group of people; now, I can easily go in front of a public and not be afraid to look directly at my audience and talk. But not just that, it helped me express myself emotionally.

What has been your most memorable moment at Zurich Dance Academy?
When I danced with my class the piece “Rendezvous” by the choreographer Maged Mohamed, at the Opera house in Zurich. It felt surreal to see all of my classmates and myself be together on the big stage of the Opera House. Being on that stage made me feel like what a runner feels when they get to the finish line, a winner. I felt proud of my class, and myself, for working very diligently, while helping each other out through the tough times; we became a family. Being on that stage solidified that bond, as we danced together happily, knowing that we got another two years to be with each other. With our year coming to an end, I reflect and cherish each memory we got to make and each lesson we learned, or taught to each other. Although we know we won’t be a class anymore, in ourselves we will forever be Class of 2024.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Being happy in whatever I do, confident, secure and brave. I believe within those five years, not only will I start to find my happiness, but I will also grow and meet countless new people whom I will learn so much from; I will be a completely different person from the Piero that left Zurich in the summer of 2024. For that, I am very excited for my future and know regardless of what comes in my way, it will lead me to the future Piero that I long to meet.

The best feeling on stage is for me…
It is actually not on stage where I feel the most happy. Of course, I love it when I get to bow in front of an applauding audience, while knowing that me and my group did an amazing job. But when the curtains close, when we finish bowing, and when the thrill of an accomplished mission runs through the body, is my favorite moment. While hugging, cheering, dancing around with your friends, it makes all the long hours spent with your group worth it.

What advice would you give younger dancers hoping to grow and achieve their dreams in dance?
Never let anyone have a reaction from you, build yourself a tough skin and protect your peace. You will meet teachers, choreographers, ballet masters and what not, who will judge you. In interacting with them, always choose peace, compassion and understanding. My second advice is simple: do not let ballet dictate your life. Ballet is temporary and a source of happiness you cannot rely upon forever. Find something else that does not only revolve around dance and live life, for the sake of living. As dancers we need to use all ranges of emotions and if you only experienced life through four walls and a wooden barre, you will never become the artist you wish to be. Live life, experience all the facets it has, feel all emotions and feel everything life has to offer. Of course, it does not mean to completely ignore your training, you must simply learn how to juggle both your life and training.

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