Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Roberto Campanella embarked on a journey of dance training at the prestigious Scuola Italiana di Danza Contemporanea. In 1985, he joined the esteemed Compagnia Italiana di Danza Contemporanea, and later, the renowned Aterballetto, where he honed his craft and refined his artistry.
In 1993, Roberto made the transition to The National Ballet of Canada, where he was swiftly promoted to the esteemed position of Soloist. Throughout his tenure, he was entrusted with a diverse range of classical and contemporary roles, showcasing his versatility and range as a dancer.
Roberto's choreographic debut occurred at The National Ballet of Canada's 1995 Choreographic Workshop, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey. Upon retiring from the National Ballet in 1996, he enrolled in the National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program, graduating with distinction and setting the stage for his future endeavors as a choreographer and teacher.
Today, Roberto is a highly sought-after guest teacher, having worked with esteemed companies such as The National Ballet of Canada, Stuttgart Ballet, and numerous others in Italy, Korea, and Japan. His extensive experience has equipped him with the expertise to craft a wide range of commissioned works for companies around the world.
Roberto's choreographic career has been marked by numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Bonnie Bird Choreography Award in London in 2001 and a Fellowship Initiative Award from the New York Choreographic Institute, an affiliate of the New York City Ballet, in 2007. He was also awarded a Chalmers Professional Development Grant in 2008.
In 2008, Roberto's first full-length work, Alice in Wonderland, premiered at Ballet Augsburg in Germany, captivating audiences with its unique blend of dance and storytelling. His subsequent work,... in between..., co-choreographed with Robert Glumbek, earned him the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Choreography at ProArteDanza's Season 2010.
Roberto's creative vision extends beyond the realm of dance, as he has also made a name for himself as a choreographer and director in the world of film and television. He has created movement and dance choreography for a diverse range of productions, including The Strain, Pompeii, Mortal Instruments, Nikita, Silent Hill, and the Academy Award-winning film The Shape of Water, to name a few.
