Roberto Bolle Returns to London With “Roberto Bolle and Friends”

PetitePaulina – After captivating audiences around the world, Italian ballet icon Roberto Bolle is returning to the city where his career first took flight London. His one-night-only performance, “Roberto Bolle and Friends,” will take place at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and feature principal dancers from the Royal Ballet, including Melissa Hamilton, Fumi Kaneko, and Vadim Muntagirov. Bolle will not only star in the show but also serve as its artistic director, presenting an exquisite mix of classical and contemporary works such as “Caravaggio,” “Grand Pas Classique,” “Opus 100,” “Esmeralda,” “Two,” and “In Your Black Eyes.” For Bolle, bringing this production back to London carries deep emotional significance a homecoming to the stage that first gave him wings.

A City That Shaped His Dreams

London holds a special place in Bolle’s heart. It was here, in 1997, that he first performed “Swan Lake” with the English National Ballet a pivotal moment that transformed a young Italian dancer into an international sensation. Initially cast as a third understudy, fate intervened when the lead dancer was injured, giving Bolle the spotlight on opening night. His mesmerizing performance instantly captured global attention and set him on a path to greatness. Just a year later, he performed in “Romeo and Juliet” and soon after joined the Royal Ballet as a guest artist. From there, his name became synonymous with grace, power, and discipline as he danced on the world’s grandest stages from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets to Paris Opera Ballet. For Bolle, returning to London isn’t just a tour stop; it’s a full-circle moment.

From Trino to the World Stage

The journey to London began long ago in Trino, a small town in Italy’s Piemonte region where Bolle first unveiled “Roberto Bolle and Friends” in 2000. What started as an intimate performance evolved into a global phenomenon, gracing both majestic venues and ancient landmarks. Over the years, Bolle has staged his show at the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, the Colosseum in Rome, and even the archaeological site of Pompeii. Each performance redefines the connection between classical ballet and contemporary audiences. “It’s a big part of my calendar,” Bolle explains. “I have the freedom to choose different repertoires and choreography.” Now, 25 years later, the production stands as a testament to Bolle’s vision of making ballet accessible and alive bridging the gap between art and emotion, elegance and energy.

A Ballet for Everyone, Not Just for Elites

Unlike traditional ballet performances that can feel rigid or formal, “Roberto Bolle and Friends” is designed to feel like a celebration. The show mixes tempos, tones, and emotions inviting both seasoned enthusiasts and new audiences into its world. “The majority of the public may not be used to a full-length ballet,” Bolle admits, “and that’s why this works. The energy feels more like a pop concert than a night at the theater.” His outdoor performances have been especially transformative, turning ancient Italian sites into living stages of movement and light. The show’s immense popularity even secured it a yearly broadcast on Italian television for the past nine years. Through this project, Bolle has achieved what few in the classical world manage: making ballet modern, relevant, and irresistibly human.

The Discipline Behind the Art

Behind every breathtaking leap lies a lifetime of discipline. At 50, Bolle remains in impeccable form his physique honed by decades of precision and commitment. “It’s very hard,” he admits. “You have to sacrifice a lot and stay committed, especially as you age. It’s not the same as dancing at 20, but it feels extra special that I can still do this.” For Bolle, ballet is more than art it’s a way of life that sharpens the mind and nourishes the soul. “Ballet teaches discipline, emotional expression, and balance. It helps shape how you approach everything in life,” he reflects. His enduring dedication is proof that longevity in dance is not only about physical strength but also mental resilience and passion qualities that continue to inspire new generations of dancers around the globe.

A Life Devoted to the Stage

Bolle’s journey began at age seven, when curiosity led him to accompany a friend to ballet class. Two years later, he auditioned for the La Scala Theatre Ballet School and was accepted at just twelve. Leaving his family behind, he moved to Milan to pursue a dream that quickly became his destiny. “It was clear this was my future,” he recalls. “I was surrounded by beauty every day, stepping into the theater and becoming part of something extraordinary.” Over the course of his career, Bolle estimates he has spent over 200,000 hours dancing, perfecting every movement. Among his many memories, one stands out meeting the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, who personally coached him at fifteen. Although Bolle was too young to join Nureyev’s cast, that encounter left an indelible mark, shaping his artistic philosophy forever.

A Legend Who Inspires the Next Generation

For his peers, Bolle represents excellence personified. Vadim Muntagirov, one of the Royal Ballet’s brightest stars, calls him “a legend and an inspiration.” “When Roberto invites you to share the stage, it’s always special,” Muntagirov says. “He’s a perfectionist, but he also encourages you, gives you confidence, and makes you better.” Beyond the stage, Bolle has expanded his influence into fashion and culture, working with brands such as Acqua di Parma, Tod’s, and Bottega Veneta. Yet, his focus remains firmly on dance. His next project, a world tour of “Caravaggio,” will take him from Turin and Genoa to the Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2026. For Roberto Bolle, every movement still carries meaning, every performance still tells a story and as long as the music plays, he’ll keep dancing.