Believing in young people is, for MAB, a concrete act: the creation of opportunities, situations and perspectives; the conquest of professional stages; the production of shows in the main international theatrical circuits. In this context, “Stralusc” is born, a show by Gisella Zilembo, declared homage to Manzoni, a project made possible thanks to the support of Regione Lombardia – the Council, but above all an opportunity to give space to the extraordinary talent of 7 young dancers, Translating their dreams into goals and work.
The usual MAB study trip to NY took place from 14 to 21 April, coordinated by Gisella Zilembo.
The students and teachers involved (from the Italian training centers: Enrica Patrito Contemporary Dance Project – Turin; Studio Danza Novara; Dance Academy l’Etoile – Mazara del Vallo (PA); Centro Professionale Danza Ballet Studio – Napoli) had the opportunity to participate in classes of Classical, Modern and Conremporanea technique at Peridance Center, founded and directed by Igal Perry in Manhattan, as well as special masterclass dedicated to them at Complexions, Joffrey Ballet, Mark Morriss Dance Center and Alvin Ailey School.
Among the trainees, they were particularly distinguished:
Sara Niespolo (Ballet Studio), the only Italian finalist of MAB Usa, who received an invitation, with direct admission from the Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group, Bradley Shalver, to take part in the Pre-professional Summer Intensive in NY, next August
Elettra Fizzotti (Studio Danza Novata),Giulia Ruella and Elena Faina (Patrito Contenporary Dance Project), who were invited by Gisella Zilembo to audition for MAB Produzione 2025/26.
The 2025 edition of MAB USA ended on 19 April at the KNJ Theater in New York, with participants from the USA, Canada, Italy, Korea, Japan, Spain, Germany, Brazil and Mexico. The finalists competed in front of a high-profile jury, coordinated by Gisella Zilembo and led by MAB artistic director Caridad Martinez (iconic Prima Ballerina of the National Ballet of Cuba and now leading figure of the American Ballet). At his side, to identify the winner (who will have direct access to the final in Milan, next 9 June at the Teatro Manzoni): Vincenzo di Primo (already finalist MAB, known to the general public for participation in Amici di Maria De Filippi and former principal of Complexions a NY), Assaf Shalov (choreographer and international dancer, Faculty member of Peridance), Melanie Person ( co-director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s – Ailey School), Lyn Parkerson (Director of the Brooklyn Ballet), David Parsons (choreographer, founder and director of Parsons Dance), Nikki Holck (Executive Director of Peridance). The winner was the Spaniard Jorge Lamelas (who took the baton from the triumphant 2024, Penelope Phelan), while a special mention was given to the American Alisa Zacovics.
An award, created by UGL, to celebrate women’s commitment, which creates value.
It is an immense honour to receive this recognition for the Dance sector, together with extraordinary women, who dedicate themselves to the most different sectors with the common passion of “doing”. A dream that every time comes true: spread the name of MAB and its magic.
Also this year we confirm the collaboration with the Performing Arts Academy of Huittinen – West Finland College for an in-depth program dedicated to the classical repertoire, curated by the Masters Olga Mironenko and Raija Lashmussarii, and the themes of Contemporary Choreography, with the direction of Dr. Zilembo, under the supervision of Professor Evan Schoombie, held between 28 February and 5 March.
The participation of Italian and Finnish students and professionals has facilitated a rich cultural exchange, which was made possible thanks to the generosity of the supporter Maurizio Erbi, owner of Profession Luxury Srl, and the Municipality of Turku, through the Finnish Dance Association Ruusuilla tanssijat ry. The latter, will also have the direction of the Dance Camp in Turku, scheduled for next July at the Finnish University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Association MAB.
Fellows project Adopt a star: Sofia Caso, Pina Bausch High School, Milan Alessia Tamagno, Scarpette Rosse, Maya Botta, Biella Fatima Altruda, Centro professionale danza, Masssimo de Sanctis, Naples Beatrice Santoro, Professional dance center, Masssimo Sanctis, Naples Ilaria Pesavento, Gallery space dance, Giulia Malvezzi, Vicenza Vittoria Galli, Studio Danza, Valeria Olina, Novara Luca Guastadini, Professional Updating Programme, Padova Melania Liotta, Professional updating programme, Catania Ruusa Orpo, Turku ballet school Vilma Morko, Turku ballet school Helmi Tuominen, Turku University of Applied
On Saturday, March 1, the work “Touch” by Francesco Posa was presented at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. Among the speakers of the event, who contributed with their interventions: Oriella Dorella, Anna Maria Prina, Luciana Savignano and Gisella Zilembo.
After the great success of the traditional MAB Gala, held on 9 June at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan, the association has inaugurated the 2025 season with international initiatives. Building on its first 15 years of activity, MAB continues to support youth and the Arts, creating positive connections between people.
Silvio Andrea Beretta opens the new year with the same enthusiasm that has always characterized MAB, quoting Helen Keller:
“Optimism is the belief that leads to success. Without hope and confidence you can’t do anything.”
The year opened with the launch of the foreign editions of the Prize, already present in cities such as Panama, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul and Havana. In parallel, the synergy with the Performing Arts Academy of Huittinen was confirmed, which at the end of February will host a program for deepening the classical repertoire, curated by Masters Olga Mironenko and Raija Lashmussarii under the direction of prof. Evan Schoombie. Thanks to the support of Maurizio Erbi, this initiative is further enriched. Another significant collaboration is with the municipality of Turku and the Finnish Association for Dance, which is promoting the city’s Dance Camp to be held in July at the Finnish Polytechnic.
In January, MAB brought its performances to Yerevan, at the Seven Vision Resort and Places and the prestigious Dvin – One and Only Theatre, an innovative suspended stage structure and visionary design architecture. The event was held in collaboration with the Tovmasyan Foundation, with whom MAB shares the ethos of creating a future for young people.
The evening was attended by prominent personalities, including the Deputy Minister of Culture, the President of the Tourism Commission, the director of the Opera and Ballet Theatre and national media, marking an important stage for a future synergy between Italy and Armenia. After returning, the cast participated in a production by international artist Florencia Bruck for Art Dubai 2025.
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