Danilo Lo Monaco

Biography

Danilo Lo Monaco, originally from Palermo, studied at the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, where he began his professional journey after graduation. He joined the Czech National Ballet in 2016, and in recognition of his talent, was promoted to demi-soloist in 2021 and soloist in 2022. With his elegance and technical prowess, he has become one of the company’s finest young danseurs, excelling in both classical and contemporary works, and forming striking duets with seasoned ballerinas.

His most significant role to date has been the title role in John Cranko’s Onegin. Prague audiences have also admired him in a range of classical performances, including Prince and Rothbart in Swan Lake (John Cranko), Gurn in La Sylphide (Johan Kobborg), Carabosse and the Prince of the North in The Sleeping Beauty (Márcia Haydée), Count Paris and Carnival King in Romeo and Juliet (John Cranko), the Oriental Dancer in The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol (Youri Vàmos), and the Wolf in The Snow Queen (Michael Corder). He has also excelled in solo roles, such as the Lawyer in Kafka: The Trial (Mauro Bigonzetti), Puppet in Puppet (Douglas Lee), and solo performances in Coppélia (Ronald Hynd) and Scheherazade (Mauro Bigonzetti).

Danilo's diverse repertoire extends into the realm of modern and neoclassical ballet. Notable performances include Jiří Kylián’s masterpieces Bella Figura, Petite Mort, and Six Dances, as well as roles in Leonce & Lena (Christian Spuck), Prelude und Liebestod (Cayetano Soto), The Second Detail (William Forsythe), EDEN | EDEN (Wayne McGregor), Bill (Sharon Eyal), The Rite of Spring (Glen Tetley), and Rain (Radu Poklitaru).

Danilo’s expressive artistry shines in key roles, such as Stanley Kowalski and Allan’s friend in A Streetcar Named Desire (John Neumeier), the Painter in Kafka: The Trial (Mauro Bigonzetti), and the Father in Cinderella (Jean-Christophe Maillot). He has also captivated audiences in Vertigo Pas de Deux and Holo Harmonies by Mauro Bigonzetti, Moving Rooms (Krzysztof Pastor), and Frank Bridge Variations (Hans Van Manen). Among his memorable performances are roles in Fly Paper Bird (Marco Goecke), Artza (Eyal Dadon), and Perfect Example (Andrey Kaydanovskyi).

In addition to his stage work, Danilo has danced at international galas, including the International Ballet Gala in Salzburg, Dancing Italy Gala, International Ballet Gala in Brno, and the Sfera d’oro per la danza awards gala in Italy.

Danilo has toured extensively, performing in countries such as China, Spain, Italy, Germany (guesting at Hamburg Ballet Days), Belgium, Oman, and Kazakhstan, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the art of ballet.

In November 2019, he partnered with first soloist Nikola Márová to perform Mask Duet (Douglas Lee) at the Velvet Ballet Gala in the Estates Theatre.

In 2024, Danilo was honored with the Premio Internazionali ApuliArte, a prestigious award established in 2005 by Mauro de Candia. The prize celebrates individuals who have distinguished themselves as cultural ambassadors and promoters of the arts. Over the years, it has recognized prominent figures in the international dance world while also highlighting emerging talents, marking a significant achievement in Danilo’s career.