Michele Abbondanza

A lanky silhouette, a piercing gaze: Italian dancer and choreographer Michele Abbondanza has spun a web of artistic encounters. After studying in New York with Merce Cunningham, he joined choreographer Carolyn Carlson’s company, then at the forefront of the revival of contemporary dance in Europe. It was while performing in one of Carlson’s works in Paris that Michele met and fell in love with dancer Antonella Bertoni, and in 1995 the couple founded Compagnia Abbondanza/Bertoni. Together they have created remarkable works that combine elements of dance and theatre. Romanzo d’infanzia is their first piece for young audiences. Michele also teaches at the Giorgio Strehler theatre school at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan.