Antonio Fini Announces Dance Festival in Calabria, Italy

ANTONIO FINI ANNOUNCES DANCE FESTIVALS in CALABRIA, ITALY, July 18-30 and NEW YORK CITY, August 21-31 and GALA PERFORMANCE, August 31 at Ailey Citigroup Theater with appearances by companies from Italy and the U.S. and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Terese Capucilli

Dancer/producer Antonio Fini, a native of Calabria, held a showcase for dancers and choreographers during the major February dance fair in Europe, the Danzainfiera, held at the Fortezza Da Basso in Florence, Italy. The talents selected by Fini were invited to part of the Fini Dance Summer Intensive in Villapiana Calabria, Italy, July 18-30, or the New York edition of Fini Dance Summer Intensive, August 21-31.

The New York event will culminate in a performance, Thursday August 31 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, where the evening will also include presentation of awards to artists from Italy or of Italian descent:

Terese Capucilli, acclaimed former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company and artistic director laureate of the Company, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award;

Marie Lorene Fichaux, formerly with the Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company, London's Royal Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and more, will receive the Extraordinary Dancer Award;

Dancers Alessio Crognate and Antonio Cangiano, both natives of Italy, will be awarded the Rising Stars Award.

The glamorous and charming Tabata Caldironi, popular dancer/TV hostess in Milan, will return to New York to host the evening. Performing companies will include
Members of the Rome International Dance Academy JH Dance Company from Bologna Antonella Perazzo's Movin Beat Company from Rome Staten Island Ballet Fini Dance New York Antonio Cangiano and Alessio Crognale in Michael Mao's "Weaving" Marie Lorene Fichaux and Cristian L. Koenig in a duet choreographed for her by Nacho Duato and more. Mr. Fini will perform his solo "The Prophet," winner of the Stefano Valentini Award.

Awardees will join past honorees: Luigi, Alessandra Ferri, Edward Villella, Elena Albano, Petra Conti of the Boston Ballet, Lorenzo Pagano of the Martha Graham Dance Company, and Jacqulyn Buglisi. Fini Dance is sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute, NYC.