Martin Nudo on Life, Expressive Dance and Pensive Musicality 

WHEN it comes to some of the most coveted and hard-to-crack artsy disciplines in the creative sphere, it’s safe to say that many have tried and failed to champion ballet and its manifold sensibilities. Martin Nudo’s journey in this world began quite early on, and he has his mother to thank for that.

“I started dancing thanks to her, as she ran a dance school, and my brother also danced,” he recalls. “From an early age, classical ballet was a challenging practice, but over time I came to appreciate its beauty and decided to become a professional dancer, inspired by great masters like Baryshnikov.”

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

Nudo continued his training at La Scala’s Academy in Milan, but at the age of sixteen, he moved to New York to attend the JKO School, where he graduated. “The experience was incredibly enriching, with inspiring teachers like Ethan Stiefel and Cynthia Harvey,” he says. “They opened my mind to new styles and approaches.”

He then spent two years working with the Junior Company of the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, where he had the opportunity to hone his craft further, collaborating with renowned choreographers such as Azur Barton, Jiří Kylián, and Richard Siegel. A few years later, he moved to Aalto Ballet Essen, where he danced for two years and took on principal roles, including Le Jeune Homme et la Mort by Roland Petit: a role that remains very dear to him.

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

This was followed by a move to Finland, where he currently resides. “I continued to grow and had the privilege of taking on my first Principal role at the Finnish National Ballet, playing Romeo in John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet,” he says, describing it as “a dream come true.”

Last year, following Death in Venice and the role of Tazio, Nudo was promoted to First Soloist at the company. “I feel that Finland is a place where I can continue to grow, and I’m grateful to my director, the company, and all the choreographers for the wonderful opportunities,” he concludes.

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

On Dance as a Form of Expression

“Dance is a universal language, capable of expressing emotions and telling stories without the need for words. Every movement and every step becomes an expression of our inner self, allowing the body to speak directly to the heart of the observer. Through dance, deep connections are formed, moods are conveyed, and universal narratives are shared that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.”

On the Joys and Thrills of Dance

“The magic of the stage lies in the unique and profound connection that forms between the performer and the audience. This connection is like a silent dialogue, rich with energy, emotion, and presence. Stepping into the spotlight brings a rush of adrenaline, a vibrant blend of excitement and focus that heightens every movement. In those moments, it truly feels as if you are part of a fairy tale or a cinematic story, no matter the role you play.”

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

On Dance’s Hardships and Systemic Complexities

“Dance requires a lot of dedication and perseverance. Behind every graceful performance, there’s many challenges—both physical and mental. Dancers push their bodies hard, dealing with tiredness, injuries, and the need to keep getting better. They also face mental and emotional struggles, like self-doubt and the pressure to improve continuously. Additionally, the dance world has its own complexities, such as certain expectations and standards that can make things tougher. But even with all these challenges, the beauty of it makes it all worthwhile. Every difficulty is rewarded by the joy of self-expression and inner growth.”

On Mental Health

“It’s crucial to take care of the mind, body, and spirit to stay healthy and perform at your best. Maintaining a good balance for me means paying attention to my mental wellness and preparing the mind effectively. When dancers nurture their overall well-being, they’re far better at handling challenges.”

_{Photograph: Andrea Cenetiempo}

On Future Hopes and Expectations

“My aspirations focus on continuous improvement and learning. I’m committed to growing not just as a dancer, but also as a person. I know that the journey of development never truly ends. Every experience, every challenge, and every success is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. I understand that there’s always room to evolve, refine my skills, and to discover new parts of myself. This mindset keeps me motivated and inspired as I move forward, always embracing new possibilities and opportunities for personal growth.”

by Chidozie Obasi