Andrea Sarri, premier danceur at the Opéra de Paris: “Sicily is the essence of who I am”
Andrea Sarri, a native of Palermo, is the second Sicilian dancer, after Eleonora Abbagnato, to achieve the prestigious title of premier danseur at the Opéra de Paris. His journey, marked by sacrifice and resilience, has led him to excel in one of the most esteemed ballet institutions in the world. For Sarri, Sicily is an endless source of inspiration and strength, a deep bond he dreams of celebrating by performing one day on the stage of the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. With unwavering dedication and passion, he continues to refine his craft, fully aware that the art of dance is a lifelong journey. Sicilian Secrets sat down with him for an exclusive interview.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced on your journey from the Opéra de Paris Ballet School to your appointment as premier danseur?
A: The greatest challenge was leaving home and arriving in a world that didn’t feel like my own. A world where I knew I had been selected for my talent but soon realized I was in a tough environment: one where I had to overcome language barriers and even being told to go back to where I came from. Simply existing in that space was something I had to learn. The distance from my family has always been hard, but I think the biggest struggle was staying true to myself, being my exuberant, Sicilian self…without causing too much disruption.
Q: After Eleonora Abbagnato, there’s now Andrea Sarri. How would you describe the feeling of being the second dancer from Palermo to hold the title of premier danceur at the Opéra de Paris?
A: I feel incredibly happy and proud to have received this title. It’s a source of pride for all Sicilians, and I like to think that I’m carrying our flag high. Of course, it’s also a personal triumph, reaching this milestone despite all the challenges. And most of all, it’s a way to repay the sacrifices my family made. It feels like a full circle moment, even though my journey as a soloist is only just beginning.
Q: Among the roles you’ve performed, which one has resonated with you the most, and why?
A: Before becoming a premier danceur, my first soloist role with the company was in ‘Giselle’. I performed it for the first time in Korea, and then on my birthday in Paris, with my family in the audience, it was an unforgettable moment. I hope there will be many more roles and moments like that! This profession demands daily dedication; it’s a constant pursuit of excellence, both personally and in the studio with our coaches, to bring the highest level of artistry to the stage.
Q: What role has Sicily played in shaping your artistic and personal journey? Do you still feel deeply connected to your roots in Palermo?
A: Sicily is the essence of who I am, the driving force behind everything. There is no Andrea Sarri without my island. Even the sadness of being far from home has shaped my path, but I channeled that sadness into hard work, making my family and friends proud. Sicily gave me the push I needed; it’s a great victory. Sicilians are different, and those who aren’t Sicilian might not fully understand our profound sense of belonging: our love for beauty, the sun, and the sea.
Q: Is there a place in Sicily, a historic theater or an open-air venue, where you dream of performing one day?
A: Without a doubt, the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. I recently attended a performance there for the first time, and I couldn’t help but feel its magic. Even though I perform in an extraordinary venue like the Opéra every day, I imagined myself dancing on that stage. If we’re talking about dreams, I’d love to take on a role with the Teatro Massimo’s company and perform alongside them.
Q: What does a typical day in the life of Andrea Sarri, premier danceur, look like?
A: Since becoming a premier danceur, my daily routine hasn’t changed much, except that now my rehearsals are either one-on-one with my coach or with my dance partner. Every day starts with morning class, followed by rehearsals in the afternoon. And if there’s a performance in the evening, then it’s time to go on stage.
Q: What advice would you give to young dancers aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
A: “Never forget who you are, everyone has their own perspective on what you should be doing”. Learning new things is part of our craft, but you shouldn’t get lost in what others say about you. Work hard, be disciplined, and truly love what you do.
Q: Do you have any future projects or dreams in the world of dance, perhaps even connected to Sicily?
A: I often think about the future, and I realize I have so many ideas. I’m a very creative person, and I’d love to choreograph my own piece or even create a project that brings me back to Sicily, collaborating with Sicilian artists. I’m always open to exchanging ideas and perspectives, that’s what helps us grow, both as artists and as human beings.
