Today we’d like to introduce you to Petra Conti.
Petra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an Internationally recognized Principal Dancer. I performed on the most famous stages across the world.
I am Italian, and six years ago I left my permanent position of Prima Ballerina at La Scala in Milan to move to the U.S. and start a new challenging and exciting chapter of my career. I have been a Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, and now I am the Principal Dancer of the Los Angeles Ballet!
I am the Ambassador of the Italian Ballet around the world, and the winner of the Glamour Talent Awards 2018 among other things. After surviving Kidney Cancer in 2016, I got back on my pointe shoes, and I believe I became an even better artist since then! I have understood the meaning of “dance like it’s your last time” because I actually danced like it was my last time before my surgery… I could not imagine being able to come back dancing at the highest level again…
And yet here I am PETRA CONTI 2.0! The upgraded version of me! Every time I am on stage now I feel blessed and grateful to be able to keep dancing and sharing my art with others. Being a cancer survivor also means inspiring others to keep fighting for their dreams, to love their bodies, to spread hope and gratitude for what we have today…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ballet injuries and my fight with cancer have been probably the hardest challenges of my career so far…
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
My specialty is Classical Ballet. I have performed the majority of the biggest romantic and dramatic roles, as well as some of the most important works by neo-classical and contemporary choreographers.
I have been recognized for my acting skills by many critics, and I am often called “the Anna Magnani of ballet” in honor of the Italian actress and Oscar winner Anna Magnani (who is still one of my biggest inspirations!).
Over the internet, my ballerina’s feet are kind of a big deal hahaha! You can follow my daily ballerina life on Instagram @petraconti.
I am not only a performing artist but also a true supporter of the next generations of ballet dancers, I teach masterclasses all around the world and use my 20+ years experience and knowledge to motivate and inspire future dancers.
I believe that talent and hard work go hand in hand… I believe you never “arrive”… you get better every day, but there is always room for improvement!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me has always been a confirmation that I am on the right path. Personal success motivates me to do even better. Success for me means responsibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petraconti.com
- Email: contact.petraconti@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petraconti/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Joe Shalmoni, Bryanna Bradley, Rudy Amisano
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