Mauro Astolfi: A Leading Voice in Contemporary Dance

Mauro Astolfi, the esteemed artistic director of Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, stands out as one of Europe’s most influential figures in contemporary dance. His unique approach to choreography and education has led him to develop an innovative movement language that draws from both local and global influences.

Founding of Spellbound Contemporary Ballet

In 1994, after an extensive career in the United States, Astolfi established the Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, collaborating closely with Valentina Marini. This company has become a significant platform for his choreographic vision and a nurturing ground for new talent from around the world. The synergy between Astolfi’s artistic voice and the technical prowess of his dancers results in exceptional performances that resonate with audiences globally.

Astolfi’s Choreographic Journey

Astolfi’s work is recognized across international stages, showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His career highlights include:

• Served as the Resident Choreographer for Kitonb Extreme Theatre in 2004.
• Created the original piece Libera Risonanza for Balletto di Roma in 2009.
• Collaborated with Hungary’s Szegedi Kortárs Balett in 2010 and produced the musical I Promessi Sposi – Opera Moderna in 2010 with director Michele Guardì.
• Developed Hold Me In This Storm for the Liepziger Ballet in 2011, in partnership with the Leipziger Opera.
• Worked on Contact Me for the River North Chicago Dance Company in the same year.

Cross-Cultural Collaborations

In 2011, Astolfi teamed up with Adi Salant from the Batsheva Dance Company for a project titled Dance is a Cultural Bridge between Italy and Israel. This initiative was supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, the Flavio Vespasiano Foundation, and the municipality of Rieti, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges through dance.

Recent Projects and Initiatives

Astolfi’s prolific creativity continued with various projects:

• In 2012, he produced Humanology – Site Specific Youth Project, which premiered at the Auditorium Melotti in Rovereto.
• Created Instant God for the USA’s BalletX in the same year.
• In 2013, he collaborated with notable choreographers such as Georg Reischl, Cayetano Soto, and Jo Strømgren at Gärtnerplatztheater in Munich, Germany.
• Between 2015 and 2016, he worked in Canada, crafting new pieces for artists with Vancouver Arts Umbrella Dance Company and ProArteDanza in Toronto.
• In 2017, Astolfi was commissioned to create works for Theater Magdeburg in Germany, the Israel Ballet, and Compania Colombiana de Ballet for the Contemporary Dance Biennial in Colombia.
• Returning to the States in 2018, he presented a new work for Backhausdance and collaborated with Ballet Trier in 2020.
• From 2021 to 2023, his creative partnerships expanded to include Augsburg Ballet, Giessen Stadttheater in Germany, and Theater St.Gallen and Bühnen Bern in Switzerland.

Astolfi as an Educator

Apart from his choreographic endeavors, Mauro Astolfi is also a passionate educator. He has served as the Artistic Director of the D.A.F Center (Dance and Arts Faculty – International Dance and Performance Arts Project) since 2009. Additionally, he has been a guest teaching artist at the Opera Ballet School from 2016 to 2018, both based in his hometown of Rome, Italy.

Connecting Through Dance

Astolfi’s work is not just about creating dance; it’s about fostering connections through the art form, bridging cultures, and inspiring future generations of dancers. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to shape the landscape of contemporary dance in Europe and beyond.

To explore more about Mauro Astolfi’s contributions, check out this article on Capodanno in Musica: Le Canzoni Imperdibili per il Trenino Festivo.