About
Founded in 2011 by New York choreographer, Stefanie Nelson, Dance Italia has developed into a vibrant community of international students, performers, educators, and choreographers who regularly gather in Lucca, Italy each summer.
Additional workshop locations have included Agropoli and Bergolo, IT.
*Classes and workshops are taught in English.
Heading into our 14th edition, DI provides a rigorous dance experience in a supportive atmosphere, fostering creative exchanges, encouraging exploration, and offering exposure to a diverse spectrum of contemporary dance and movement disciplines.
Designed for intermediate and advanced-level students, the program allows dancers to expand their skills through daily classes, workshops, discussions, informal showings, and performances.
Week-long Master Class workshops complement a core technique schedule, each taught by a prominent artist or teacher actively working in the field.
Accomplishments
PARTICIPANTS
Dance Italia has welcomed over 590 students from 25 countries around the world, including Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US.
SCHOLARSHIPS
DI has awarded over $91,700 in scholarships, with support from our University partners — Sam Houston State University and Indiana University — and private donors.
Within the city of Lucca, DI has received support from the Comune di Lucca, Fuoricentro Danza, Arte & Danza Arabesque, and Pantera Volley, with additional support from K2, La Bottega di Anna e Leo, In Pasta, Isola che non c’era, Marco Polo, Marameo, and Ristoro La Casermetta S. Salvatore.
Past editions in Agropoli received institutional funding from the Comune di Agropoli, Ente Parco Nazionale del Cliento, Alburni e Vallo di Diano, BCC Comuni Clientani.
Lucca Mayor, Alessandro Tambellini honors DI for its outstanding contribution to the arts community in Lucca.
Sponsors
CORPORATE DONORS
8th Street Wine Bar, 68 Jay Street, Broadway Dance Center, Children and Teens, FAIRWAY,
Johnson & Johnson, The Duke Energy Foundation, & Macmillan Publishing / Anne Hellman
