We recently had the chance to connect with Federica Rizzo and have shared our conversation below.
Federica, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is definitely full and fast-paced! As a dancer, I usually teach several classes throughout the day, which requires a lot of energy and focus. In between classes, I’m either attending auditions or working on self-tapes, so I always need to be ready to perform at my best.
I also dedicate time every day to training — that includes dance practice, of course, but also physical conditioning like Pilates, yoga, and strength training to keep my body in top shape.
Outside of the physical side, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work too: I manage my schedule, keep track of invoices and payments, answer tons of emails, and stay active on social media to share my journey and connect with my audience.
Some days I also work on creative projects, whether it’s choreographing, collaborating with other artists, or updating my portfolio. It’s a constant balance, but I love the variety and the challenge. Every day looks a little different, but they all require passion, discipline, and a lot of coffee!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Federica Rizzo — an Italian dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher with a strong foundation in multiple styles of dance. I’ve had the opportunity to work across both the United States and Europe, gaining experience in a wide range of projects including commercials, print campaigns, music videos, and live performances. I’m passionate about using movement to tell stories, connect with people, and explore new creative possibilities. Whether I’m on stage, in front of the camera, or creating choreography behind the scenes, I bring versatility, focus, and a deep love for my craft to everything I do.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Definitely my brother and my dad. They both recognized my talent and passion for dance long before I fully believed in myself or considered it as a real career path. My brother, in particular, always encouraged me to take it seriously, reminding me that what I had wasn’t just a hobby — it was something special. My dad supported me every step of the way, never missing a performance and always pushing me to chase my dreams, even when I had doubts. Their belief in me gave me the strength and confidence to pursue this path with everything I’ve got.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments when I thought about giving up. After hearing ‘no’ so many times, it’s easy to start questioning your worth — wondering if you’re good enough, if you’re at the right level, or if your physical or technical limits are holding you back. I’ve had those thoughts more than once. But every time, I came back to one simple truth: dancing is the one thing that truly brings me joy. It lights me up in a way nothing else does.
That’s when I realized — you can’t live with regrets. You have to keep showing up, keep throwing yourself back into it, even after setbacks. And most importantly, we need to give ourselves grace. Not every achievement has to be huge in the eyes of others — some of the milestones that might seem small to the outside world can actually be massive victories for us personally.
Gratitude for those small steps is everything. And I’ve learned that the most dangerous thing we can do is compare our path to someone else’s. Everyone’s journey is unique, and the only person you should be competing with is the version of yourself from yesterday.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I always try to be as authentic as possible in my work and in my life. What you see publicly is very much who I really am — I show not only my strengths but also my weaknesses, because I believe vulnerability is part of being human. I know that sometimes people find it hard to understand me, mostly because I’m very direct. I prefer to say what I think openly rather than behind someone’s back, and that kind of honesty can be intimidating to some. But I also believe that being genuine, even when it’s uncomfortable, attracts the right people and the right opportunities into your life. At the end of the day, authenticity is the foundation of everything I do.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, unfortunately, it has happened to me more than once — and I still haven’t fully figured out why. Sometimes, you put so much effort, time, and energy into achieving something that by the time you actually get it, you’re so exhausted that you can’t even enjoy the moment fully. You’re there, but it doesn’t feel the way you thought it would. Then, maybe days or even weeks later, it hits you — ‘Wow, I actually did it.’
I think we often set goals believing they’re the most important thing in our lives, only to realize later that the journey, the small moments, and the little things we overlooked are what truly matter. Sometimes, in the pursuit of success, we miss the simplicity and meaning of everyday life — and strangely enough, it’s those simple moments that end up being what we miss the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.federicarizzo.it
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/federicarizzo_it/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FedericaRizzoDancer
Image Credits
Es Photography LA
PRINCE KADEN PHOTOGRAPHY
KIMBERLY SHAUL
