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Ballet4Lifer of the Month!!

The Merry Month of May!!!

Silvia Mattii

This month we feature the lovely dancer, teacher, mother Silvia Mattii. She started dancing with us nine years ago now. Silvia was very much part of the Ballet4life family immediately after joining, and even when she relocated back to Italy, we kept in touch. When the online programme was rolled out she joined us at classes again. Her humour, grace, warmth, open-mindedness and generousity of spirit have always made us happy and have enriched our lives. She is also a loving mum to two gorgeous children and they create and laugh every day with her in beautiful Tuscany.




Donna and Silvia reunited in San Gimignano , Italy 2019


When did you start dancing? I started dancing when I was six and it was love at first sight. Unfortunately I couldn't continue. But I promised to myself I will have danced at some point, and I did it again when I was a grown up. And it was amazing!

What makes dancing so special to you? It’s a way to go deep into yourself, it’s your training for life. A meditation through movement, it’s always challenging but utterly necessary.  It keeps me strong and grounded.


When did you start with Ballet4Life? In 2012. As soon as I moved to London I started looking for a job and a ballet school at the same time.  My first class at Balle4life was with Donna: we clicked immediately. 


What makes B4l so special for you? Donna! She is incredible, she’ s smart and super professional,  She is the best teacher I have ever met. She  always has been inspiring to me. ( OK- Donna is blushing at reading this ad says THANK YOU!)


Do you get to see dance performances regularly? If yes, any favourite companies, dancers, performances you have seen recently? yes I do: especially Rambert , Sadler’s Well, Royal Ballet.


What do your ballet classes do for you? They allow me to learn every day more, they enhance my body strength, they keep my mind focused and my social life alive.


Do you have a favourite Ballet4Life class? just one? well, I am “ devoted” to Beatrice too. I love all her classes.



 Beatrice: "No more triple-espressos before class again, ok?"





Beatrice and Silvia in class in February 2013



Is there any dance style you wish to study but we do not offer presently? I’m not sure. They do everything!


What do/did you do for your “day job?” and/or what were you educated/trained to do as a profession? I’m a teacher.


Do you have any tips for someone wishing to start dance training as an adult? Be open-minded. Dance needs flexibility . 


Do you have a favourite part of class/ ballet step you love? the barre.


How has Covid-19 changed the way you have dance in your life? Since the Pandemic emergency has started I haven’t had the opportunity to go to London and attend Ballet4life’s classes at the studios. Sad.


Anything else you would like to add, please feel free to do so. Just : Thank you for being so splendid, you’ve enriched my life. 

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