At 50 years old, ballet prodigy Roberto Bolle claims his strength surpasses that of his early career days.
Renowned ballet star Roberto Bolle continues to captivate audiences worldwide, as he prepares for the upcoming performances of his annual touring programme, Roberto Bolle and Friends. This year's line-up includes a stellar cast of dancers, including Melissa Hamilton, Fumi Kaneko, Vadim Muntagirov, Shale Wagman, António Casalinho, and Margarita Fernandes.
Bolle's journey in the world of ballet began at the age of 43, when he started his dance education in the small Piedmontese town of Trino. He later joined La Scala Ballet school at the age of 12 and became a part of the main company in 1994. Bolle was promoted to principal dancer at La Scala in 1996 and has since become a household name in the ballet world.
The 2025 tour of Roberto Bolle and Friends will make a stop at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, on November 11. The tour also plays major Italian venues and international locations, including Verona's amphitheatre. In July, the gala will make a return to the iconic Arena di Verona, with a special appearance by singer Antonio Diodato to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary.
Bolle's approach to his career requires focus, discipline, and careful management of his life. He manages his physical fitness without the help of a dedicated support team and performs between 40 and 50 shows a year, with some months having only one or two performances. His dance repertoire is tailored to appeal to a non-ballet audience, making his performances accessible to a wider audience.
Bolle's summer tour, Roberto Bolle and Friends, features an international cast and a mix of classical and contemporary work. The tour kicked off with a week-long season of free workshops and performances, led by Bolle, known as Ballo in Bianco. This event showcases the talents of 2,000 ballet students in box-fresh white stretchwear.
Bolle's commitment to dance is unwavering, as he continues to perform extensively even at the age of 50. His recent performances in London, including a standing ovation for his portrayal of Onegin at the Royal Opera House, are a testament to his enduring passion for dance.
In addition to his ballet career, Bolle is also a TV personality and a regular guest at London's Royal Ballet. He made his London debut in 1997, partnering Altynai Asylmuratova in the premiere of Derek Deane's Swan Lake. Bolle plans to continue performing as long as he feels good and believes he can bring something to the stage, but also aims to direct and work on other projects.
For those eager to catch Bolle and his friends on stage, mark your calendars for the upcoming performances in Taormina, Sicily, and Verona. The gala in Taormina is scheduled for July 18, 2025, while the Verona performance is set for July 21, 2025, with a rescheduled performance planned for July 22, 2026, in case of cancellation.
[1] Arena di Verona Official Website: https://arenadiverona.it/en/whats-on/roberto-bolle-and-friends-25th-anniversary/
[2] Ancient Greek Theatre in Taormina Official Website: https://www.teatrogreco.it/en/the-season/roberto-bolle-and-friends/
[3] Arena di Verona Official Website: https://arenadiverona.it/en/whats-on/roberto-bolle-and-friends-25th-anniversary/
[4] Arena di Verona Official Website: https://arenadiverona.it/en/whats-on/roberto-bolle-and-friends-25th-anniversary/
- Roberto Bolle's activities extend beyond ballet, as he also works as a TV personality and regular guest at the Royal Ballet in London.
- The lifestyle of Roberto Bolle, legendary ballet star, requires discipline, as he manages his physical fitness without a support team and performs numerous shows annually.
- The fusion of dance, fashion, and entertainment is evident in Roberto Bolle's summer tour, Roberto Bolle and Friends, featuring an international cast and a mix of classical and contemporary work.
