Dancer
Davide D’Elia was born in 1993 in Erba, Italy, and started off with hip-hop before he discovered classical dance. He studied at the Liceo Licos in Pavia, at Professione Danza in Parma and later at Il Balletto di Castelfranco Veneto. Immediately after his graduation, he obtained his first engagement at Balletto de Milano. Davide D’Elia has won various competitions, for instance the first places at Pavasaris International Competition in Riga, at Palcoscenico in Turin, and at Musical Day in Florence. He also received the bronze medal at Tripudium Balletto in Milan.
Where are you from?
I’m from Italy. My town (Eupilio) is very small but surrounded by a lot of beautiful lakes like the most important one: “Lake Como”. My family is composed of four people but I can say I have a lot of families around Italy, because I left my house when I was 13 to study. I lived in four different cities and met a lot of amazing people.
When did you start to train ballet and what was your motivation?
I started training ballet at 17. Before that I was a “hip-hop dancer.” During a performance in Italy, a ballet teacher saw me dancing modern and asked me to take his class afterwards. I don’t know why, but in the end I accepted and from this day, my life changed…
What has been the most special moment of your dance career so far?
Even though I started ballet very late, I got the “RAD” and “ISTD” diplomas… I won some important competitions with solo, pas de deux and group pieces, but I can say that the special moments of my dance career is the daily training and rehearsal, when you see a lot of people like yourself who are ready to improve themselves with passion and desire.
How would you describe yourself?
I have a very curious personality. I love to do it all…every kind of work and sports. I played drums and I studied acting and singing. Whatever I do, work hard and am passionate. I’m honest and every day I try to learn something from what life offers me.
What were your first experiences in Dortmund?
My first experience in Dortmund was the ballet audition. It was a very stressful day. After the audition I missed my flight and I waited all night at the airport…an adventure. I chose Germany because it is one of the best countries in EU with regards to economy and society. In Germany, art in general is very appreciated and is taken seriously. Besides that, everything is in order and clean.
What dreams do you have?
I would like to have an honest career. My dream has just materialized. I turned my passion into a job, but I would love to dance Kylian’s or Forsight’s important pieces.
What are your interests besides dancing?
I love art in general and in all its expression…I love to travel, meet new people and visit new countries. If I hadn’t become a professional dancer I would have continued to study at university. I am interested in philosophy and how people think.