Lorenzo Lelli to Debut as Romeo in Nureyev's Ballet at Paris Opera on Easter

Lorenzo Lelli, a 22-year-old Italian dancer, will make his debut as Romeo in Rudolf Nureyev's production of Romeo and Juliet at the Opéra National de Paris on Easter. Currently a sujet at the Paris Opera, Lelli began dancing at age six in Atessa, Abruzzo, after being inspired by a local dance school performance. His training included studies at the Accademia del Teatro alla Scala in Milan from age 11, where he initially joined with his brother. Key career moments include performing as Prince Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty and participating in Roberto Bolle's Bolle and Friends at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan. After auditions, he moved to Paris, first as an additional dancer for one season before securing a permanent position. Lelli contrasts the cultural recognition of dancers, noting higher esteem in France and Japan compared to Italy, where he performed in galas. For character development, he studies ballet history and interpretations by dancers like Manuel Legris, adapting roles to his personal style, favoring dramatic parts such as Des Grieux in L'histoire de Manon over antagonistic roles. He emphasizes chemistry with partner Roxane Stojanov, crucial for their on-stage connection in Romeo and Juliet. The production features photography by Julien Benhamou, Maria-Helena Buckley, and Yonathan Kellerman documenting rehearsals and performances from 2024 to 2026.