“A celebration of tradition and transformation — this work honors Italy’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the vibrant, inclusive spirit of today.”
Mimmo Miccolis
MAMMAMIA
Choreographer: Mimmo Miccolis
Dancers: Ava Dempster, Carly Jones, Catherine Doherty, Francesco Messina, Harry Warshaw, Jacob Liberman, Matteo Mangialetti, Misha Glouchkova, Nicholas Cowden, Noura Sander, Peyton Anderson, Salma Gonzales, Viggo Christensen
Celebrating Italy at Capital Pride DC
In 2022, the Italian Embassy made its historic debut at the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, DC. To mark this milestone, the Embassy commissioned choreographer Mimmo Miccolis to create a special artistic showcase that would represent the spirit and culture of Italy in a fresh, vibrant way.
Mimmo envisioned a journey that would begin with one of Italy’s most iconic cultural legacies , opera, and transition into the dynamic, contemporary energy of modern Italy, embodied by the internationally acclaimed rock band Måneskin, who are redefining the image of our beloved country on the global stage.
The performance also pays tribute to a beloved icon of the Italian LGBTQ+ community, Raffaella Carrà. Her enduring legacy is honored through the unforgettable song featured in Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar-winning film La Grande Bellezza.
This project reflects an Italy that is constantly evolving, yet deeply rooted in its traditions. To bring this vision to life, Mimmo collaborated with The Divas In Drag Italian Opera Company and performer Matteo Mangialetti, who takes on the role of Violetta in a striking lip-sync performance of Sempre Libera from La Traviata. He is joined on stage by 12 talented dancers from The Washington Ballet’s Studio Company and Trainee Program.
The program features three choreographically distinct pieces:
- Sempre Libera – from Verdi’s La Traviata
- Far l’Amore – by Bob Sinclar & Raffaella Carrà
- MAMMAMIA – by Måneskin
Each piece offers its own atmosphere, playful, powerful, and full of heart, reflecting the warmth, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit of Italy today. This vibrant performance stands as both a celebration of Italian culture and a proud statement in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Photos by Gilles Delellio
