Ballet Great Roberto Bolle Receives Honorary Degree in Florence

Florence: Ballet dancer Roberto Bolle on Tuesday received an honorary degree from the University of Florence. Bolle, 50, principal dancer ©toile at La Scala Theatre Ballet and a TV celebrity, was awarded an honorary master’s degree in practices, languages, and cultures of communication.

According to Ansa News Agency, Bolle expressed his excitement about the honor, noting that his mission to make dance more inclusive and accessible started when he was 21. Over the years, his efforts have evolved into significant initiatives that have impacted his career, such as television events and an annual dance festival in Milan that offers free events. Bolle’s performances, particularly his Bolle And Friends shows, consistently achieve high TV ratings.

Bolle also highlighted his foundation’s new initiative to integrate dance into schools, beginning with 10 schools in Milan. This initiative introduces weekly dance courses to children who may not have had the opportunity to experience dance. Bolle emphasized the educational value of dance, which promotes bodily awareness, spatial awareness, interpersonal relationships, and discipline. He described dance as a life teacher that can guide children on their personal journeys.

He further explained that classical dance, although selective, offers an educational and physical journey valuable in itself. Bolle believes that engaging in physical activities like dance helps children connect with their emotions, bodies, music, and space, offering experiences beyond the virtual realm. He also noted that facing challenges along the way strengthens individuals, a lesson he hopes children will learn through dance.