Meet Petra Conti | International Principal Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Petra Conti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Petra, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Do everything with love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an international Principal dancer. I have been Prima Ballerina at La Scala in Milan, and Principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. I am currently the Principal dancer of Los Angeles Ballet and an International guest artist. I have started dancing when I was 11 years old and have worked very hard since the beginning to get to where I am today. Although I have always felt like Ballet was my vocation, it definitely wasn’t easy: there have been many challenges along the road, including surviving kidney cancer 5 years ago…
Eventually, all the endurance, discipline, and love for what I do lead me to become the leader I am today, someone that is proud  and lucky to inspire and motivate others. It’s a big responsibility to be up there, as younger dancers look up to me, not only when I perform on stage, but also in the studio, at the barre and during rehearsals everyday. I try to set the example by challenging myself daily, stepping out of my comfort zone and keeping growing and working hard, despite the ache, the soreness and the tiredness that often come with my job. I try to do everything with a smile on my face, because I believe that everything we do should be done with love, or not at all. I believe in accepting who we are today, and trying to get a bit better every day. I always say it’s a work I progress: we should strive for personal excellence, never perfection, I believe we have a gift, and mine is to leave a mark on people’s souls, touching them at the deepest level, and connecting with them through my own, artistic expression. I am very grateful to have a job that doesn’t even feel like a job, because I have followed my passion and my heart since the very beginning…

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to LA about 4 years ago and I absolutely love it: the vibe, the weather, the people… I believe this city is perfect for an artistic soul like mine, because it inspires me to stay creative and always looking for more ways to grow and express myself. I love Santa Monica, especially the 3rd street Promenade and the Pier… I love the ocean, the beach and all the nice restaurants that are around the area… I also love the Griffith Park, walking on Hollywood Boulevard, enjoying a show at the Dolby Theatre or at the Hollywood Bowl. There are so many places I haven’t discovered yet though!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Dream Orchestra of Los ANGELES and Maestro Daniel Suk for supporting and making my dreams come true

Website: www.petraconti.com

Instagram: @petraconti

Youtube: Petra Conti

Other: https://linktr.ee/PetraConti

Image Credits
Amisano, Shalmoni, Radu