Nicoletta Manni becomes La Scala's first Etoile principal dancer after 40 years

In a groundbreaking move for Milan's renowned La Scala ballet company, Nicoletta Manni, a 32-year-old prima ballerina, was recently named the first Etoile in almost four decades. Manni's journey began at La Scala's academy when she was just 13, hailing from a small town in Italy's Puglia region where she had been dancing in her mother's ballet school since a young age. This prestigious title distinguishes Manni from the company's other Etoile principal dancer, Roberto Bolle, who has held the position as a guest dancer for twenty years. Manni expressed her surprise and gratitude for this honor, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience through artistry and emotion rather than just technical prowess. Described as the Etoile of the moment, Manni's talent is set to shine on international stages, including an upcoming gala in Australia alongside her husband, La Scala principal Timofej Andrijashenko. Their relationship, which blossomed on the stage of the Arena di Verona where Andrijashenko proposed, adds a personal touch to their performances together. Despite a recent injury to Andrijashenko, Manni seamlessly danced with Royal Ballet principal Reece Clarke, highlighting the trust and chemistry between them. Clarke praised Manni's artistry and expressed the ease of working with her from the start, showcasing the collaborative spirit within the ballet world. The significance of Manni's achievement as La Scala's newest Etoile resonates not only within the company but also in the broader ballet community. Her dedication to storytelling through dance and her ability to transcend technical challenges to convey deep emotions mark her as not just a dancer but an artist. Manni's unexpected rise to this prestigious role serves as a testament to her talent, hard work, and the transformative power of ballet to captivate audiences and create lasting connections between performers and viewers.