Ginevra De Masi – Taking the Centre Stage

Professional dancer, ballerina, and leading Roca Girl, Ginevra De Masi, brings joy to many residents through captivating live performances.

Born in the third largest Italian city, Naples, professional dancer Ginevra De Masi has been frequently visiting the Principality of Monaco since her early childhood.

Ginevra showed interest in dancing from the age of 3; however, her true passion for dancing developed during the summer holidays when she went to study at the Princesse Grace Dance Academy in Monte-Carlo at the age of 10.

“I wanted to remain in Monaco. It was my dream, but understandably, my parents didn’t want to leave me alone at such a young age. So I auditioned in my hometown, at the Real Teatro di San Carlo, where my twin and I auditioned and joined the dance school.”

San Carlo Theatre (Real Teatro di San Carlo) is a historic opera house in Naples, originally named and commissioned by the Bourbon King Charles VII of Naples, and connected to the Royal Palace and adjacent to the Piazza del Plebiscito.

Compared to the San Carlo Theatre, the Princesse Grace Dance Academy was founded much later, in 1975. It followed the desire of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III to establish a high-level dance school in the Principality of Monaco. The Academy has since been directed by Marika Besobrasova and enjoys an international reputation.

While Ginevra started to establish her professional dancing career in Italy, her twin sister decided to pursue a career in the Principality of Monaco. 

Nobody could’ve imagined at that time that soon Ginevra would be approached with an opportunity to follow her sister, Virginie, to Monaco and dance at the Monte-Carlo Sporting.

“I remember that I was in Naples when I received an email from a dance company. I packed my suitcase, and I soon arrived in Monaco. I had immense joy for the opportunity and also because my twin sister was already living here. When I look back, I can truly say that my first performance in Monaco changed my whole life.”

Do you have any favourite ballets?

“No, I don’t. I believe everyone has their own story in life and their own interpretation of it. Since I was little, I have always been moved by theatre. Those are the emotions that I try to give back today to my audience during the shows.”

The beautiful combination of aesthetics and elegance delivered by the performance of Ginevra roots in many years of commitment and hours of practice.

“The day of a professional dancer is obviously focused on training, lots of stretching, hours of rehearsals, healthy eating, and then tackling shows. 

It’s a heavy day but it doesn’t weigh on me at all; in fact, I must say that it fills my life in the best way possible.”

How do you prepare for a performance, both mentally and physically?

“On show days, my times are even more rigorous and precise. I wake up early, have an energising breakfast, prepare my costumes, my make-up, my shoes, and then that unique wait to go on stage begins. 

A mix of anxiety, stress, and adrenaline with extraordinary energy and the desire to dance.”

What role do costume and stage design play in your performance?

“During the shows, costumes and scenography obviously capture the audience, but all this must be accompanied by good technical preparation, musicality, and expression.”

What is the most challenging role you have ever performed?

“When I danced at the Nice Opera, at the Métal concert with the band “Heart Attack”, it was exciting to dance in pointe and tutu to rock music. 

The theatre transformed into a real concert, and the enthusiasm of the audience was incredible.”

Metal rock and ballet are two significantly different musical styles, yet such performances are able to attract new audiences. What are your thoughts on the evolution of ballet and contemporary dance styles?

“I fully agree with the evolution of ballet. You cannot live on classical dance alone, even if it is the basis of every style. 

Contemporary dance has enriched the world of dance by bringing together a wider audience.”

Who are your biggest influences or role models in the world of dancing?

“Tiler Peck, Mikhaïl Barychnikov, Alicia Alonso… I could name many more.”

Three years ago, Ginevra joined the famous Roca Girls dance group of the Principality, the cheerleading team for the AS Monaco basketball team, directed by Mandy Ayache.

Isn’t it difficult to dance in different styles?

“It was definitely a new challenge for me – a completely different environment from the theatrical one, my usual one. Since I was little, I have always been passionate about sports in general. I used to watch football matches with my father. 

Dancing to the Roca Girls I discovered basketball, which surprised and fascinated me. I love expressing myself in different dance styles, which comes easily to me as I have a strong classical dance technique.”

How do you keep your performances fresh and engaging, even with repetitive shows?

“I am always looking for perfection; I am never truly satisfied. I always try to do better than I did before, and therefore, every performance, even if repetitive, is always new for me. 

Above all, I dance with my heart, and the audience feels that they are attentive and excited during the show.”

How many times a week do you perform?

“It depends; it can even happen 7/7.”

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?

“When I danced in the presence of Prince Albert II, I was excited and happy. It was an uplifting moment.”

It is through life’s mysterious ways that the Italian twins visited Monaco frequently as children.

“I feel that I have always been linked to Monaco, as we often visited it with my family during summer holidays, and so we celebrated my birthday (August) in Monaco. Every birthday was a good celebration here and I think destiny brought me here.”

Do you have a lot of similarities with your twin sister?

“We are very close; we have always done everything together, even if we have two very different characters. I would say that we complete each other.”

What was the most challenging part of adjusting to life in Monaco? 

“It wasn’t difficult at all. I feel at home in Monaco. I am calm; everything is under control here.”

What is your favourite element of Monaco?

“My favourite element is safety.”

How would you compare Naples to Monaco?

“I wake up and look at the sea, just like my home in Posillipo. The climate here is mild, just like in Naples. For a Neapolitan like me, the sun is fundamental.”

Ginevra’s favourite locations in Monaco are the Casino square and the Larvotto beach. As an Italian, she likes Cipriani and La Note Bleue restaurants. And if you ask her about the eternal debate, she likes her pizza thin.

What do you miss most about Italy?

“Good food and Sunday ‘ragù’.”

How do you see the future of dance evolving, especially with new technologies and social media?

“Dance is a noble art that will never cease to fascinate. Social media and new technologies have helped us a lot, and the next generation will be able to do great things by always putting their heart and passion into them.”

What advice would you give to young, aspiring dancers?

“The path to becoming a dancer is difficult; you have to stay focused on your goal without ever giving up. Above all, constant work and absolute dedication always give great satisfaction.”

Young and inspiring Ginevra is grateful for Monaco because, as she said, it offered her a better opportunity than Italy. 

Enjoying the different dancing styles, from ballet to cheerleading, Ginevra never stops to take advantage of the opportunity to bring her passion and joyful emotions to her audience.