Embracing beauty and culture and fostering young talents on Villa Bertelli’s illustrious stage – transformed for the occasion – is the mission of the outstanding international event co-promoted by AssoDanza Italia and the non-profit foundation Fondazione Simona Nesi. After all, it was precisely in Versilia that dancer Isadora Duncan (considered the mother of modern dance, who shed pointe shoes and eschewed pompous costumes) spent long periods in the villa of her friend Eleonora Duse. Dressed only in veils, she danced barefoot on the shoreline of this pristine and marvelous area, where she found inspiration for her art. Therefore, there is no better place for the first edition of the “Dancing Star Award.” Scheduled for Thursday 25, Friday 26, Saturday 27, and Sunday 28 July, the event is the result of a fruitful collaboration between AssoDanza, the leading representative association for the Italian dancing sector, and Fondazione Nesi, constituted precisely with the philanthropic mission of endowing scholarships over time to young dancers, who passionately approach the tough discipline and art of dance, according to the unforgettable convictions of ballerina Simona, who prematurely passed away three years ago. She was fond of saying: “Dance must be accessible to all; no obstacles to those who match talent and merit.”

We asked Miriam Baldassari, president of AssoDanza and artistic director of the event, how the idea of the “Dancing Star Award” came about. “It was sparked by a common friendship with the renowned Viareggio designer Laura Fiaschi, author of the project’s logo and image. I have known her all my life, as Viareggio and Versilia have always been my “home away from home,” where I spent my childhood. I always return when I can escape from Rome, where I have lived and worked for many years. She is also friends with Umberto Nesi, president of Fondazione and Simona’s father. Laura herself sensed the purposes of AssoDanza and Fondazione Nesi’s intent.” What do you mean by purposes of intent? “Both AssoDanza and Fondazione Nesi have young talents close to their hearts. The Association protects Italian dance schools, students, and teachers; Fondazione Nesi was established to support the dance world and, just on the occasion of the first “Dancing Star Award,” set up a scholarship in Simona’s memory to support the worthy female or male solo dancer. Our purpose was to give a spotlight and space to young talents who study and work hard daily through the valuable work carried out in classes and summon them here from dance schools all over Italy. Thanks to artistic partnerships with the world’s most prestigious dance Academies, we have designed labs and workshops taught by international lecturers throughout the various days.” What about the evening shows? “Two are the important appointments: on Friday, we’ll be seeing a varied art show and a dance tribute to the all-time great Renato Zero; and the final Grand Gala on Saturday, where scholarships funded by Fondazione Nesi will be awarded for the soloist category and by numerous other supporters for the duo, trio and group categories.”