SS26 Menswear - Matteo Miccini on Ballet, Discipline and Mental Resilience

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How Matteo Miccini Navigates The Physical And Mental Weight Of Ballet

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Florence-born, Stuttgart-hailed dancer Matteo Miccini has nourished a penchant for the arts from early on, and built a subtly intimate trove through his grandfather, Eugenio, who was an Italian artist and writer. “Watching him dedicate himself to his creative work and seeing how seriously he treated both inspiration and discipline left a very strong impression on me and has greatly influenced my decision to become a ballet dancer,” he says. It’s definitely been a time of growth for Miccini, both artistically and personally. “I’ve had the opportunity to revisit certain roles with a new sense of maturity, while also challenging myself with new repertoire,” he says. Below, the dancer unpacks early stints, peak moments and personal expectations. You’re welcome.

Matteo wears top by LEVI’S, shirt by THOM BROWNE, pants by QUARTO ATTO and shoes by PREMIATA

Matteo wears total look THOM BROWNE

Chidozie Obasi
What’s your earliest memory of dance?

Matteo Miccini
My earliest memory of dance is watching the musical Notre-Dame de Paris, with music by Riccardo Cocciante, together with my sister and my father. I remember thinking it must be an amazing feeling to stand on stage. After that experience, I remember watching a dance class that my sister took part in, going home and telling my family that I wanted to do that as well. I became curious about dance and started wondering what it would be like if I were to do it myself.

When did you realise that you wanted to make this craft a professional career?

I remember everything going quite fast, honestly. Around the age of eleven, I stopped doing gymnastics and started ballet. I was very lucky to find a teacher who discovered my potential and talent from the very first moment, and who pushed me into training. That guidance was very important, as it gave me direction and helped me understand that I should take this path very seriously. Two years later, I was already in Stuttgart at the John Cranko School, training to become a professional ballet dancer.

Matteo wears a total look by MIU MIU 


What would you say have been the best moments of your path thus far?

Discovering new roles and experiencing a wide variety of productions has been incredibly rewarding, especially as each one brings its own challenges and way of thinking. Being able to travel and perform in many different countries has also been an exciting part of my journey.

Has your mental health always been stable throughout your path as a dancer, or have you had moments of doubt or times when you felt like quitting?

Dealing with self-doubt, fatigue, and pain has definitely been part of the more challenging aspects of my path. With time and experience, you learn to understand your body, to know your limits, but also to accept that you will go through unpleasant moments. The body, with a good mindset, is often much stronger and more resilient than you initially think.

Is there anything you’d do differently in your path? And do you feel like you’re where you wanted to be?

I don’t think I would change much, but perhaps I would have tried to enjoy the present moments a bit more, without constantly thinking ahead or about what comes next. Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to fully appreciate what you are experiencing in that particular moment, especially in a career like ours where everything moves quite fast. There have certainly been moments of doubt and questioning. The mental and physical pressure that comes with this profession can be exhausting, but I have always managed to remain dedicated and committed to my career.

Matteo wears a blazer by ZEGNA, pants by ISABEL MARANT, a belt by LOUIS VUITTON and shoes by PREMIATA

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seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinator EDWARD PUSCA
fashion coordination assistant SOFIA FARINA
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI using DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI via MKS MILANO
talent MATTEO MICCINI
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants SIMONA VERNAZZA + LUIZA ANGELOVA + ANGELINA PERSIANI + ISABELLA RUIZ

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri