EMANUELA NAPOLITANO PRO BALLROOM
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 >
Emanuela Napolitano: A Lifetime of Ballroom Dreams Realised
A celebrated professional Ballroom dancer, Emanuela has enjoyed an extraordinary competitive career alongside her long-time partner Gaetano Iavarone, with whom she has shared the dance floor for nearly three decades.
As we dressed Emanuela in Chrisanne Clover Couture for the first time ahead of the UK Open Championships 2024, we caught up with her to learn more about her remarkable journey, her love of Ballroom dancing, and the dreams she continues to achieve throughout her career.
From Naples to the Ballroom Floor
Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Emanuela's introduction to dance was inspired by her parents and the popularity of Ballroom dancing across Italy during her childhood.
At just eight years old, she regularly accompanied her parents to their dance lessons and social dance evenings. While initially watching from the sidelines, it wasn't long before she felt inspired to join in herself.
"I was sitting there getting bored and thought, instead of watching, I should do it too!"
Her parents enrolled her in dance classes, and from the age of nine, Ballroom dancing became an integral part of her life.
A Partnership That Has Stood the Test of Time
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of Emanuela's career is her enduring partnership with Gaetano Iavarone.
Unlike many dancers who experience multiple partnerships throughout their careers, Emanuela and Gaetano have danced together from the very beginning.
"We've been partners since the first day I started dancing. We've never danced with anyone else."
Today, their partnership spans an incredible 28 years, a testament to their trust, commitment, and shared ambition.
Celebrating Every Milestone
When asked about her greatest achievements, Emanuela takes a refreshingly humble view.
Rather than focusing on titles or rankings, she values the journey and the milestones that marked important moments in her career.
From reaching her first final to progressing into the Top 48 and Top 24 at prestigious events such as the Blackpool Dance Festival and UK Open Championships, each achievement represents a dream fulfilled.
Another unforgettable milestone was competing at the International Championships in London's iconic Royal Albert Hall.
"Every step is a dream come true. It's all the little moments that have brought us to where we are today."
Her perspective reflects a deep appreciation for the process, hard work, and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of competitive Ballroom dancing.
Why the UK Open Holds a Special Place
While many dancers cite Blackpool or the International Championships as their favourite events, Emanuela's heart belongs to the UK Open Championships.
As a young dancer, she remembers watching televised broadcasts and being captivated by the glamour and elegance of the competitors.
One image stayed with her throughout her career: dancers descending the famous staircase before entering the ballroom floor.
"They looked so magnificent. To be able to walk down those steps myself is truly a dream come true."
For Emanuela, the UK Open represents both the history of Ballroom dancing and the fulfilment of childhood aspirations.
The Magic of the Slow Waltz
Every Ballroom dancer has a dance that resonates most deeply, and for Emanuela, that dance is the Slow Waltz.
She loves its versatility and emotional range.
Whether romantic, dramatic, joyful, or reflective, the Slow Waltz allows dancers to interpret the music in uniquely personal ways.
"The music can be romantic yet dramatic, but also happy. It all depends on how you choose to express it."
This artistic connection to music is one of the reasons the Waltz continues to be one of Ballroom's most beloved dances.
A Dream Sponsorship with Chrisanne Clover
Joining the Chrisanne Clover sponsored family represents another major milestone in Emanuela's career.
Having admired the world's top dancers wearing Chrisanne Clover Couture throughout her life, becoming a sponsored athlete was something she once only dreamed about.
"Chrisanne has always dressed the best dancers. To be sponsored by you now is another dream coming true."
Her excitement is clear as she embraces this new chapter in her Ballroom journey.
"You never know when your moment will come, and I'm so happy this is my moment with Chrisanne Clover."
Life Beyond the Dance Floor
Although Ballroom dancing has always been her primary focus, Emanuela once had aspirations in a very different field.
If she hadn't pursued a professional dance career, she believes she may have become a psychologist.
As a teenager, she developed a strong interest in psychology, but the demands of competitive dancing meant that education took a secondary role to her sporting ambitions.
Despite her busy schedule, she still values activities that help her maintain balance and perspective.
Finding Peace Through Meditation
When asked about hobbies, Emanuela laughs that dancing leaves little time for much else.
However, when she does step away from the studio and competition floor, she dedicates time to prayer and meditation.
These practices help her stay grounded, connected, and centred both mentally and spiritually.
"I try to relax my mind and body spiritually and stay connected."
This focus on wellbeing has undoubtedly contributed to her longevity and resilience in the demanding world of professional dance.
Inspired by Ballroom's Golden Era
Emanuela draws inspiration from many of the legendary dancers who competed during the 1990s and early 2000s.
She remembers being captivated by their elegance, sophistication, and artistry.
"They had such class and sophistication. Watching them growing up was incredibly inspiring."
Beyond their technical excellence, she admired how effortlessly they combined athletic stamina with grace, performing in luxurious gowns that embodied the glamour of Ballroom dancing.
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
After nearly three decades in competitive Ballroom dancing, Emanuela's advice to young dancers is simple but powerful.
"Never give up, and never let someone tell you that you can't do it."
She believes that only the individual can determine the limits of their own dreams and potential.
"Only you can decide your dreams and your career. If it is in your destiny, it will happen."
Looking Ahead
Emanuela Napolitano's story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief. From a young girl inspired by her parents' dance lessons in Naples to an internationally respected professional Ballroom dancer, every chapter of her journey has been driven by dedication and heart.
As she steps onto the floor in her Chrisanne Clover Couture creations, she embodies the spirit of Ballroom dancing itself: elegant, determined, and forever chasing the next dream.
We are proud to welcome Emanuela to the Chrisanne Clover Gold Sponsored Family and look forward to supporting her continued success on dance floors around the world.