THE fickleness and superficiality of the dance industry are no secret: highs and lows sit at the core of an artist’s career, sparking patterns of joy and dismay in equal measure.
For Vincenzo Di Primo, however, dance — and all the sensibilities it harmonises — shaped a path of successes: the Sicily-born, New York-hailed artist won a full scholarship for the Vienna State Opera Ballet Academy at a young age, moving to the country for four years.
Photograph: Alessandro Lo Faro
After graduation, Di Primo joined London’s Royal Opera House corps de ballet as a Prix de Lausanne dancer, an experience that, with time, landed him a role as Romeo with the National Ballet of Ireland for a Romeo and Juliet tour, followed by The Greek National Ballet and then Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
It’s no wonder that we jumped at the chance to recount his story: a path made of fearless pursuits that were a welcome progression in his practice, combining meticulous dedication with his fierce demeanour while not compromising on the likability that established him in the first place. If this gumption is anything to go by his upcoming projects will be pretty special: here’s hoping.
Photograph: Alessandro Lo Faro
What’s your first memory of dance?
I started with the ballroom! I really enjoyed watching it, but after that, I tried hip-hop and contemporary dance. Music has always moved me since I was a kid, that’s why my mother asked me if I wanted to try to take a dance class – my parents have been super supportive since day one.
When did you realise that dance was going to be your main path in life?
Once I got the scholarship in Vienna, I realised how I really wanted to get into a ballet company and that things were about to get tough. I kind of never had a Plan B, which can be bad, but I really wanted to pursue such a path in my life. I was really focused from a very young age.
Photograph: Alessandro Lo Faro
Photograph: Alessandro Lo Faro
Who would you say were your biggest inspirations when growing up?
For me, when I took contemporary classes, my dance teacher advised that I had to do ballet, which I found boring at the time. For me, ballet was all about exercising at the bar. But when I came across Basrishnikov doing variations, I was like ‘okay, that’s what I want to do,’ you know. While growing up, I would watch all the principals from the Bolshoi or just good dancers.
And what would you say are your biggest, most exciting moments of your path?
Definitely dancing with The Royal Ballet was a dream. But in general, I’m more into the neoclassical spectrum. I’ve always been lucky enough to have roles that match my personality in a way. After joining Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2019, I came to New York as I got a six-month contract for the Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and after that time, they asked if I wanted to keep dancing with the company. It was the highlight of my career performing in New York for the past 6 years. I left my full-time position in December 2024 to freelance more and became a guest artist with the company.
Photograph: Alessandro Lo Faro
Is there anything you’re particularly grateful for in your career?
I think my family and the way they supported me. Sometimes dancers don’t have that support from the family, especially when they’re starting. So I don’t take it for granted, and I’m literally super grateful to them and how they shaped me, how they pushed me and how they really saw that that’s what I wanted to do. I definitely feel lucky to have had people through my career who believed, supported, and helped me grow.
And lastly, is there anything in particular you want to unpack in terms of future hopes, expectations or dreams?
I would love to just explore more in the dance world and have the opportunity to experience things that maybe 10 years ago I wouldn’t have thought I could. I took part in a TV show that just came out on Prime Video last April, and that was something that I could never have expected years ago. Sometimes you just set your dreams to a certain point, and they’ll somehow know how to surprise you.
by Chidozie Obasi
Photographer: Alessandro Lo Faro
Stylist: Julia Baratova
Grooming: Alexandra Osipova
Photography assistant: Yong Min Park
Look 1: Top OTKUTYR | Trousers PIERANTONIOGASPARI
Look 2: Vest WANGDA | Trousers PENCE | Tie WANGDA | Necklace ERICKSON BEAMON
Look 3, 4: Top PIERANTONIOGASPARI | Trousers PENCE
Look 5: Turtleneck PENCE | Shirt, trousers PIERANTONIOGASPARI | T-shirt, shoes MIU MIU