Matteo Addino (born in 1984 in Genoa, Italy) first emerged on the dance scene as a dedicated performer. He featured in successful music videos, television commercials, TV shows, and theater productions, showcasing his adaptability and passion idadance.com+12naimaacademy.it+12libero.it+12. This early period of artistic exploration laid the foundation for his transition from performer to creator—an evolution defined by relentless curiosity and a commitment to craft.
Choreographic Style and Artistic Philosophy
Weaving Emotion with Technique
Addino’s artistic identity is rooted in his ability to meld emotion with form. As he explains, his mission as a teacher and choreographer is to “bring out the artistic potential and talent of each student,” creating pieces that resonate emotionally. He believes dance should move audiences beyond mere technical exhibition naimaacademy.it. His choreography often explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment, reflecting a storytelling approach that captures the hearts of viewers.
Naima Academy: A Hub of Creativity
Leading Genoa’s Premier Dance School
Matteo is the founding artistic director of Naima Academy, located in Genoa. Under his leadership, the school became a center for nurturing young dancers. His philosophy—teaching with emotional authenticity and technical precision—has attracted students seeking a transformative education tiktok.com+11naimaacademy.it+11naimaacademy.it+11. The academy instils not only rigorous technique, but also fosters creativity and personal invention, ensuring each dancer finds their voice.
Experience Company: Platform for Future Stars
Bridging Training and Performance
Shortly after Naima’s inception, Addino launched the Experience Company, a professional pre‑company for talented youth aged 10–17. In partnership with the International Dance Association (IDA), this initiative provides a rigorous six-day-a-week program that blends skill development with real-world performance experience. The troupe performs choreographies on socially relevant themes across Italy, such as “Halloween Nightmare,” “Waiura,” and “La Grande Mela”, offering students a stage on which to shine libero.it+3naimaacademy.it+3idadance.com+3. Those meeting performance benchmarks are also eligible for IDA certification, positioning this program as a launchpad for both amateurs and future professionals.
Nurturing Notable Talents
Spotlighting Successes
Under Addino’s mentorship, several students from Naima and Experience Company have risen to prominence in Italian entertainment. Alumni include Maddalena Svevi and Megan Ria from Amici, as well as Tommaso Stanzani from VivaRai2!. Others, such as Giulia Pelagatti, Talisa Jade, Miguel Chavez, and Eleonora Gaggero, have worked in TV, cinema, and advertising instagram.com+8libero.it+8idadance.com+8. These successes attest to Addino’s ability to nurture talent holistically, preparing his dancers for creative careers both on stage and screen.
Television & National Recognition
From Choreographer to On‑Camera Expert
Matteo’s prominence rose further with his role in the Italian television landscape. He served as choreographer for Il Cantante Mascherato, collaborating with dancer Simone Di Pasquale, and later joined the judging panel of Ballando on the Road, alongside heavyweights like Carolyn Smith, Guillermo Mariotto, and Fabio Canino libero.it+1instagram.com+1. In 2025, he appeared on Sognando… Ballando con le Stelle, cementing his role as both mentor and critic in dance entertainment libero.it. These appearances have broadened his public influence, showcasing his expertise and charismatic approach to dance critique.
A Personal Touch: Passion Behind the Persona
Reserved, Creative, and Grounded
Although he keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight, Addino is known to be an avid fan of mystery and magic, even collecting fantasy figurines like elves, a playful hobby that adds depth to his reserved public persona . His off-camera interests hint at a creative mind constantly exploring wonder, imagination, and storytelling—elements that likely feed into his choreographic process.
Vision for the Future
Inspiring the Next Generation
Matteo Addino’s goals extend beyond his own career: he aims to drive innovation in Italian dance through teaching, performance, and televised visibility. By investing deeply in each student and forging meaningful themes in performance, he hopes to create choreography that resonates both visually and emotionally. His dedication to nurturing emerging talent ensures the vibrancy of Italy’s dance scene for years to come.
Conclusion
Matteo Addino stands as a dynamic force in modern Italian dance. Few real-world choreographers embody the trifecta of performer, creator, and mentor as he does. From his birthplace in Genoa, he’s built a growing empire, the Naima Academy and Experience Company, that produces technically skilled dancers with emotional intelligence. His rise to national TV judge and respected cultural educator reflects recognition of both expertise and genuine heart. Under his guiding hand, a new generation of dancers will continue to discover and share their stories, one performance at a time.
