In Conversation: Varna International Ballet’s Giacomo Ammazzini on the importance of being a romantic, never relying on talent alone and his early inspirations
Established by the Italian Renaissance courts, the ballet has captivated children and adults alike for centuries – with the dream of performing in a leotard a commonality amongst the many, but a reali...
Established by the Italian Renaissance courts, the ballet has captivated children and adults alike for centuries – with the dream of performing in a leotard a commonality amongst the many, but a reality for the dedicated few. Giacomo Ammazzini however, would stay persistent in his dream. Enchanted by a visit to the Milanese La Scala, pleading his mother to let him train to be a danseur, he now performs for the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra in a childhood wish fulfilled. And luckily for us, took time away from his preparation for their 2025 UK tour to discuss the importance of being a romantic, why you should never rely on talent alone and his early career inspirations.
Starting from the beginning, what were your initial motivations for becoming a dancer and was there anyone who inspired you?
When I was young, my mum took me to La Scala to see The Nutcracker. It was so beautiful and exciting that I asked my mum to start dancing. This was my motivation to become a dancer. When I entered the Paris Opera ballet School, I met the Etoile Hugo Marchand who has been my inspiration throughout my years in the school.
On this tour you’re performing The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet. Each of these stories are incredibly passionate tales. Do you think it’s important to be a romantic as a ballet dancer?
Dance comes from a noble culture, so yes, it is important to be romantic, but with great strength, passion, and determination inside you.
Further to this, is there a particular performance you’re most looking forwards to?
I am lucky enough to dance roles that I like and with which I am able to convey the joy of dancing. Of all of them, I believe that Mercutio is a very interesting role both on a technical and interpretative level which reflects me a lot and I also manage to express my personality.
How important would you say your peers are in controlling the morale and helping you through tough periods?
It is important to have a professional relationship between colleagues. However, during my years here in the company I have established a closer relationship with some of them, which is important for the difficult moments but also moments of light-heartedness and happiness.
What’s more valuable to becoming a ballet dancer, talent, or hard work?
Hard work is the most important thing in a dancer’s work. If you have a talent, you have a good base on which to work but then to move forward, you need determination and hard work to improve and always achieve new goals for personal and professional growth.
In your opinion, why is dance important to society?
Dance is important for society because as an artform it broadens the culture of society and its country. For us dancers it develops determination and discipline that extends into everyday life.
Ammazzini will be performing with the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra touring the three beloved classics, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet across the country – beginning in Manchester on January 2nd and ending in Northampton on March 5th.
Interview by Emma Carys
Featured Image: 2024 © Elliott Franks, Varna International Ballet at New Wimbledon Theatre, London, 2024
For information and tickets visit Varna International Ballet 2025 UK Tour | RG Live
About:
Giacomo Ammazzini was born in 2003 in Cesena, Italy. He started dancing at the age of four. When he turned twelve, he joined L’École de Danse de l’Opéra national de Paris where he graduated in 2021. He continued his professional studies at the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in 2022 and obtained his second graduation. During his academic years he performed children of the Golden Idol with the corps de ballet of Paris Opera Ballet, the role of Coppelius in Coppelia, the Flower Waltz in The Nutcracker.
Giacomo joined the Varna State Ballet in 2022 where his repertoire includes French Dance in The Nutcracker, Spanish Dance in Swan Lake, Comedian in Romeo and Juliet and Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty.He performed in South Korea, Greece and Italy.
Read Emma’s latest Review: ‘Rachel Zhang’ : Finding the surrealism in the everyday – Saatchi Yates Gallery, until 20 December – Abundant Art
