Petra Conti

Petra Conti has transitioned from an acclaimed Prima Ballerina to the Artistic Director of Hollywood Ballet, inspiring a new generation of dancers and advocating for childhood cancer awareness. After graduating with honors from the National Dance Academy in Rome in 2006, Petra Conti quickly established herself as a formidable talent in the ballet world. Her early career included a trainee position with the esteemed Mariinsky Ballet and guest star performances with the Arena di Verona Ballet. In 2008, she joined the Bavarian State Ballet as a company member before ascending to Prima Ballerina at Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 2011, after joining the company in 2009.

Her exceptional artistry was recognized with the prestigious Positano Award in 2007 and the Danza e Danza Award for Best Performer of 2011. From 2013 to 2017, Conti served as a Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, a role she was invited to by Mikko Nissinen. During this period, she was also appointed the Ambassador of the Italian Ballet around the World in 2014, acknowledging her significant international impact. Following her recovery from kidney cancer in 2016, she relocated to California, joining the Los Angeles Ballet as a resident principal guest dancer in 2017.

This ongoing advocacy effort raises critical awareness and funds for children battling cancer. Conti continues to balance her artistic and philanthropic endeavors with academic pursuits, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Science of Leadership at Northeastern University.