Rome is not only a city of memory; it is a city of becoming. In every stone lives a story, and in every generation a new possibility. This work is a tribute to the eternal dialogue between heritage and future.
Mimmo Miccolis
ROMA
Contemporary choreographic creation commissioned by the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC.
Presented on June 1, 2023, during the celebrations of the Italian Republic Day at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, ROMA is a contemporary dance work created to honor the city of Rome and celebrate its candidacy to host Expo 2030, as well as its role as host city of the Ryder Cup 2023.
Conceived and choreographed by Mimmo Miccolis, the work is a choreographic journey through the past, present, and future of the Eternal City. Created in collaboration with composer Francesco Lanzillotta, who composed an original score specifically for the project, the piece translates Rome’s identity into movement, sound, and atmosphere.
Structured in three interconnected sections, the choreography begins with an evocation of the city’s poetic essence: the flowing waters of the Tiber, the resonance of church bells, moments of tranquility, and the vibrant energy of a metropolis that never sleeps. The second section draws inspiration from Rome’s historical legacy, exploring themes of conquest, power, grandeur, and the enduring imagery of the ancient world. The final movement looks toward the future, celebrating innovation, cultural exchange, unity, and the evolving spirit of a city that continues to inspire generations across the globe.
Blending neoclassical vocabulary with contemporary expression, ROMA reflects on the relationship between heritage and progress, offering a dynamic portrait of one of the world’s most influential cultural capitals.
The work was performed by artists of The Washington Ballet: Ayano Kimura, Tamako Miyazaki, Paolo Tarini, and Jie-Siou Wu.
