Aterballetto

Founded in 1977 as Compagnia di Balletto dei Teatri dell’Emilia – Romagna and directed by Vittorio Biagi, the company has been known since 1979 as Aterballetto. Composed of 16 soloist dancers who are able to grasp deeply the most diverse dance styles, Aterballetto has gained wide recognition in Italy and on the international scene thanks to the high quality of its interpreters. Now placed as the leading contemporary dance company in Italy, it is the first permanent ballet-producing organisation apart from Opera House companies.
With the arrival of Gigi Cristoforetti as Managing Director in 2017, the Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto has opened up to choreographic productions from diverse artistic inspirations while renewing its artistic mission. By creating a dialogue between visual arts, music, theatre and education, Aterballetto initiates multidisciplinary collaborative projects. This way, it deepens its relationship with the music world, opens up to new audiences (young people, people with disabilities or in precarious situations) and infuses its creations and productions with a unique sensitivity.
In June 2022, the Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto became the first National Choreographic Centre in Italy, rewarding the attention paid to different aesthetics, the exploration of urban spaces, the quality of the company and its great international scope.

Aterballetto’s season will begin in October 2022 with the premiere of Double Side, in collaboration with the Fondazione Arturo Toscanini in Parma. This double bill will include a piece on a baroque suite, choreographed by Canadian Danièle Desnoyers, and Arvo Pärt’s Stabat Mater set to movement by Cuban Norge Cedeño Raffo. A creation combining contemporary dance and live music, with the presence of an ensemble of singers and string musicians.
In February 2023, Over Dance, a project involving over 70 year-old dancers and produced by Aterballetto, will be presented at Chaillot, Paris. In their respective creations, Angelin Preljocaj and Rachid Ouramdane will explore the question of the dancing and ageing body.
Throughout the season until June, the company will present its flagship programmes Don Juan and Golden Days in numerous cities in Italy and Europe.

“A great contemporary dance company with a technical level that can compete with the great international ensembles.”

Anna Bandettini, La Repubblica

“The Reggio Emilia company’s dancers confirm their versatility and skills in technique and interpretation. And as on every occasion, the spectator remains impressed not only by the quality of their gesture but also by their chemistry as a group, the way they move as one, and the energy they transmit to the audience.”

Federica Pezzoli, Estense.com