Francesco MariottiniFrancesco Mariottini

I still remember the exact moment designer Luke Azzopardi broke the news that Francesco Mariottini was coming to Malta. And although we were both in far from working mode in a nightclub in Perugia, the haze of over-excitement that followed was palpable; and, I suspect, not only felt by us.

For those who aren’t aware, Mariottini became known internationally after taking part in the seventh edition of Amici di Maria De Filippi. As one of the eight ballet dancers on the show, he was continually the subject of much praise, and went on to win the show’s Critics’ Award. Nevertheless, I think it is quite safe to say that Mariottini’s career, both before and after the show, transcended the fame Amici brought him.

In fact, his talent in ballet won him a scholarship at the Balletto di Toscana by the age of 14. At 18 he was contracted for the corps of the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany; while his 2005 contract to Aterballetto, under the direction of Mauro Bigonzetti, saw him perform in Mexico, the US, China, Thailand, New Zealand and many countries in Europe.

His career is still going strong today and he’s currently working for two contemporary dance companies while teaching at two others in Umbertide and Riccione.

With so much experience under his belt, it is not difficult to understand why many in Malta’s dance community are excited that Francesco is coming to Malta. And it is definitely no surprise that Naupaca Dance Factory has already been inundated by requests to join the series of workshops which will be given by him.

“When Naupaca Dance Factory asked me to work with them, I was thrilled,” the dancer says. “I’ve always enjoyed taking on new projects and working with new people, and I am really excited to be working and teaching outside Italy again. I’m a bit worried about having to do the workshops in English, however, but that will be a good challenge.”

If the student doesn’t want to sweat, then there is no chance of him or her getting a scholarship

Francesco has definitely never been one to shy away from a challenge, and has been turning heads and setting standards from age 11.

“As a dancer I have always had a big passion for this art form, and since I was a child I have always enjoyed moving my body to any kind of music,” explains Francesco. “My passion officially took off when my cousin invited me to watch her at a dance show and everyone thought I would fall asleep. Of course, I didn’t and my mum still mentions the look I had in my eyes while I was there.

The workshops will include a mixture of dance disciplines.The workshops will include a mixture of dance disciplines.

“A few weeks later she asked me if I wanted to start a modern dance course and right after the first class I told my parents that I wanted to become a full-time dancer. I was 11 at the time, so it’s been 17 years now, but I still feel the same excitement every time I dance, and I still get the butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling every time I go on stage!

“Many ask me about my experience on Amici, and I always say the same thing. The show catapulted me back to school after I had worked with two very import-ant dance companies, and that was rather strange for me. Having said that, a dancer never stops training and there is always more to learn.

“It wasn’t easy, however. As a student on the show you completely lose direction in life. I mean you practise 12 hours a day, every day, and you never know what’s going to happen next. You cannot call your parents or friends and sometimes their voices are all you need to feel better. We didn’t even have a laptop with an internet connection, so you can imagine how detached you end up feeling.

“Then again, after seven months you realise that you have learnt so much, and that you can dance in any situation, even if you don’t have much time to stretch before. I was also really grateful to be offered a contract as one of the professional dancers of Amici, a job which is very hard to get. I might have worked 12 to 14 hours a day seven days a week, but it was fantastic!”

Although the workshops being organised by Naupaca will not be as intense as Amici, the professional standard will still be extremely high. The workshops will include a mixture of dance disciplines, including hip-hop, ballet, modern and contemporary and participants will be presented with certificates signed by Francesco while some will win scholarships for workshops in Riccione.

“The scholarships will be given out according to various criteria,” explains Francesco. “They will go to people who show me that they truly want to become dancers and who will work a lot during the workshops.

“It is extremely important to remember that being a dancer is not easy, and if the student doesn’t want to sweat, then there is no chance of him or her getting a scholarship.”

The Dance Workshops with Francesco Mariottini will be held at the Aurora Opera House, Gozo between July 14 and 16 and in Malta between July 21and 23, with the venue still to be confirmed. The deadline for applications is Tuesday. Contact the Naupaca Dance Factory by calling on 7926 1154 or 7945 0485 or online.

www.naupacadancefactory.com

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