Emanuela Napolitano

 

We are thrilled to welcome to our sponsor gold family Emanuela Napolitano; a professional Ballroom dancer who has had great success with her long time partner Gaetano Iavarone. Dressing Emanuela for the first time in Chrisanne Clover couture for the UK Open Championships 2024, we have a chat to find out more about her as she picks up her gowns ready for the UK Open.

 

 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Napoli, Italy

 

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of 9

 

How long have you been partners for?

Actually, we have been partners since the first day I started dancing, we stuck together and never tried with another partner. So, it’s about 28 years we have been dancing together.

 

 

 

What got you into dancing?

My parents got me into dancing. At the time in Italy everyone was in love with Ballroom dancing. I was 8.5 years old and had to go with my parents and sit in on them having their dancing lessons, and then every Saturday night they went social dancing and I had to go along with them. One time as I was there sitting in on them having their lessons getting bored - I said instead of me sitting here I think I should do it as well! They put me into dance lessons and I have been dancing ever since!

 

What are your highest achievements in dance?

I wouldn’t say highest achievements but I believe each step is not just a moment; but a dream come true. For example like the first time we got into the final, the first time we got in the top 48 and 24 at the Blackpool Dance Festival and the UK Open, even the first time we danced at the Internationals in the Royal Albert Hall. So I guess it’s all the little moments that are precious and have got us to where we are today.

 

 

What is your favourite competition?

To be honest my favourite is the UK Open Championships. I know lots of people will say the Blackpool Dance Festival because of its history, or the Internationals because of the famous Royal Albert Hall in the centre of London. But for me growing up I always watched the videos when it was televised with the dancers coming down the stairs and looking so magnificent. For me now to be able to walk down those steps is a real dream come true and really something special.

 

What is your favourite dance?

The slow waltz. Because the music can be romantic yet dramatic but happy. Depending on the melody and the way you want to interpret the music.

 

Why are you proud to be a CHRISANNE CLOVER sponsor?

Being a Chrisanne Clover sponsor is another one of my dreams coming true. Chrisanne have always dressed the best dancers and to be sponsored by you now – well much better late than never lol! You never know when it’s your moment and I am so happy it’s my moment with you guys right now.

 

 

If you didn’t dance what do you think your career would be?

Actually I think I would be a doctor in psychology. I never had chance to study because dancing was always the priority, but when I was 14-15 I had a general interest in this profession.

 

What are your hobbies?

This is when I realise, I do not have any spare time for hobbies lol! But I guess what I do when I am away from dancing is pray and meditation. Trying to relax my mind and body spiritually and stay connected.

 

 

Who are your dancing inspirations?

It is very difficult to say because it is not just one but many. I would say a lot of dancers from 1990 – 2000 were a generation that were so inspiring and had such class and sophistication. I was so inspired by them watching them growing up. They combined such amazing stamina while being dressed in such luxurious gowns and were utter perfection.

 

Do you have any advice to young dancers reading this?

I would say one thing … Never give up, and never let someone tell you that you can’t do it, because only you can be the one to decide on your dreams and your career. If it is in your destiny, it will happen.

 

You can watch Emanuela and Gaetano dance here >