First Soloist Valentino Zucchetti is to leave The Royal Ballet after 16 years to pursue his choreographic and producing career – his last role with the company will be as Lescaut in Kenneth MacMillan‘s Manon on 19 and 24 October.
Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, said:
Valentino has always brought something unique to the stage,and we shall miss the energy and vivacity he has brought to the many roles he has performed.His positive approach has also informed his enthusiasm for choreography, leading to many deserved successes across the range of his creative output. I am delighted that we have been able to provide opportunities for his choreography to flourish and it is exciting that he can now develop this further.
The Italian dancer, born near Bergamo, an hour’s drive from Milan, began training at La Scala’s ballet school at age 11. Later, he continued his studies at The Royal Ballet Upper School and, on graduation, joined Zürich Ballet and the Norwegian National Ballet. He joined The Royal Ballet in 2010 and was promoted to First Artist in 2011, Soloist in 2012, and First Soloist in 2014.
Zucchetti has danced a vast number of roles over his years with the company and created roles for choreographers Carlos Acosta, Kim Brandstrup, David Dawson, Alastair Marriott, Liam Scarlett, Heinz Spoerli, Christopher Wheeldon, and others.
Zucchetti said:
It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but it’s time for me to contribute to the art form in other ways and watch this amazing group of people develop beyond my time.
During his time with both The Royal Ballet School and the Company, Zucchetti honed his choreographic skills, regularly presenting new works at Draft Works and creating award-winning works for the Main Stage, as well as creating Sonata for Six for the School’s 2013 matinee. His 2020 ballet Scherzo for The Royal Ballet received the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, and Anemoi created in 2021 won the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography. He created Prima for The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration in 2022 and, at the recent Royal Ballet and Opera Spring Gala, choreographed As One.
Zucchetti added:
The Royal Opera House has been my physical and spiritual home during this time, and being a dancer with the Company has been a childhood dream come true. I was extremely fortunate to have been inspired and surrounded by some of the most incredible artists whom I have the pleasure to call my friends. I will cherish this chapter of my life forever.
