Roberto Bolle presents “Viva la Danza”, a special event celebrating the art of dance in Italy, set to air on Rai1 on April 29th. The show, produced with the support of the Ministry of Culture, is designed to be a gala showcasing various dance genres, from classical to pop and rock. The event will take place at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, and is a collaboration between Rai, Ballandi, and Artedanza srl. Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised Bolle’s ideas and the importance of showcasing dance as an educational form of art.
Bolle described the program as a declaration of love for dance, aiming to share the special moment of International Dance Day with the general public. The choice of the Maggio Fiorentino theater holds particular significance as one of the last remaining ballet companies in Italy. The show’s format is inspired by Bolle’s famous “Roberto Bolle and Friends” gala, with an array of international dance stars performing alongside Bolle himself. The lineup includes familiar faces from the Teatro alla Scala, young talent from the Royal Ballet in London, and students from the Teatro alla Scala ballet school.
In addition to classical dance, “Viva la Danza” will feature a diverse range of genres, including hip hop, swing, Latin American, and tap dancing. Various musical, film, and television artists have been invited to participate in the storytelling, adding a touch of popular culture to the mix. Katia Follesa plays a versatile stage manager in charge of keeping the show running smoothly, while actors Fabrizio Biggio and Valentina Romani provide a behind-the-scenes look at the magical world of dance through their documentary. Francesco Pannofino adds a theatrical element as the symbolic “Phantom of the Opera.”
A special duet between Bolle and musician Elodie highlights the intersection of dance and music, with a new original piece titled “We are dancers at Heart” by Taketo Gohato created specifically for the show. The audience for the event will primarily consist of young dance students from across Italy, ensuring that the next generation of performers is inspired by the magic of the stage. Bolle’s vision for “Viva la Danza” aims to not only entertain but also to educate and elevate the art of dance in the eyes of the public. With a unique blend of talent and genres, the show promises to be a captivating celebration of dance in all its forms.
