The story of Marianna Fracalossi
With one day to go before enrollment closes for the School of Dance, we approach the world of dance from another perspective: that of a teacher.
For the Hall of Fame, we met with Marianna Fracalossi, now on the Dance Department faculty as a teacher of the Propaedeutic Course.
Marianna, tell us about your path and how you came to choose the Academy. Did teaching dance come unexpectedly, in your life, or was it a choice pursued by vocation?
During my training as a dancer, I had the privilege of working with masters of extraordinary excellence. Watching them at work was a source of great inspiration for me. Over time, as I matured and became more self-aware, I discovered the world of teaching with wonder and interest. While dance represented for me a language through which to express myself, I realized how fulfilling and stimulating it was to be able to transmit this same passion to new generations. I have known the reality of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala since I was a child and have always been fascinated by it. When the time came to choose the school for my training as a teacher, I had no doubts or alternatives: it was essential for me to go through this prestigious institution.
Today you are working as a lecturer at La Scala's very own Ballet School, how do you feel about that?
I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to be teaching as a propaedeutic teacher at the Academy, a place that has always been a symbol of excellence in dance. After three years of college, working in the very school that trained me as a teacher is truly a unique opportunity. However, at the same time, I feel a great responsibility: I am extremely grateful for the trust placed in me and aware of the commitment this position requires. Teaching is not only about passing on technique, but also about educating about the culture, emotion and commitment that ballet requires.
Every lesson is an opportunity for growth, both for me and for the students; I always try to give my best, aware of the importance of being a reference point for them. In addition, within the school I get to meet my teachers, who have played a fundamental role in my training, and update them on my work. In these moments I receive important advice that enriches my experience and contributes to my growth in the field.
Do you feel that the three-year course - the Academic Diploma Course in Ballet with a technical-didactic focus - already provided all the essential elements for a career, or did you actually wish you had gone into some topics in greater depth with more breadth?
The three-year Academic Diploma Course in Ballet with a technical-didactic focus was definitely a very intense period, an opportunity for growth both personally and professionally, a path that provided me with a solid technical and pedagogical foundation. Each discipline was addressed in a serious and in-depth way by competent teachers, and the internship with the students was essential to put the knowledge acquired into practice. However, I believe that the training never ends. Every experience, every lesson, every encounter with pupils enriches my professional development and reminds me that training is a never-ending process where continuous study is essential. Therefore, in the future, I do not exclude the possibility of enrolling in the Two-Year Postgraduate Diploma II program that the Academy always offers, precisely because I believe there are always new aspects to be explored.
What do you think is essential to be a good teacher?
To be a good teacher, I believe it is essential to possess strong observational skills.
Each learner is unique, with a different body, times and ways of learning of their own; therefore, being able to identify and understand the specific needs of each one is crucial to fostering more effective and meaningful learning. Empathy plays a crucial role in building a trusting relationship with learners. It is important to perceive their emotions and difficulties in order to intervene appropriately, to support them in their educational journey and to create an environment in which they feel motivated and comfortable. Patience is another indispensable quality, especially when, like me, you are working with toddlers in propaedeutics. Of course, all of this must be based on careful educational planning to ensure a coherent and focused learning path.
In addition, I believe the ability to reflect on one's own performance is crucial. Through self-assessment, pupil feedback, and discussion with colleagues, one can identify one's strengths and, above all, areas to work on to improve. All this and, much more, I think forms the basis for effective teaching and the creation of a stimulating educational environment.
How do you manage the relationship with the pupils?
With the youngest I alternate between exercises that the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the fundamentals of ballet and more playful moments, but always with a precise didactic purpose. Diversifying its its offerings is essential to keep interest and concentration high in them. Starting from the fourth grade, however, the students are more aware; therefore, the demands on them become higher and as a result, the relationship with them also becomes richer and evolves into a deeper exchange.
I am very keen on stimulating in them the desire to improve and the willingness to take on more and more complex challenges. Every dance class is unique, composed of children with different that abilities, personal and learning styles. For this reason, I carefully observe each pupil in order to the the the the the the the the the the the the the necessary corrections and the the necessary the the the the the the the necessary adjustments and the necessary the directions.
Would you like to conclude with a wish for all aspiring candidates for the next three-year term?
I sincerely wish future enrollees to thoroughly enjoy this experience, which, while challenging, will be one of the most formative of their careers. It is important to try to absorb as much as possible from your teachers, taking advantage of every moment to learn. I recommend always putting yourself out there, not being afraid of judgment, because along the way you are a learner and any feedback is essential to grow. It is essential to keep in mind that everything they learn during these years will not only enrich their education, but also provide a solid foundation for their future as teachers.
