Francesco Costa

The Italian Francesco Costa, born in Lecce, received his training at the ballet school of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. This was followed by engagements in Rome, at the ballet of the Teatro alla Scala di Milano and, from 2013, at the Vienna State Ballet, where he was appointed demi-soloist in 2016. After working as a freelance artist in 2019, he returns to the Vienna State Ballet as a soloist in the 2020/21 season. Francesco Costa won the 2nd prize at the Città di Rieti Ballet Competition in 2011, followed by the 2nd prize at the Vienna World Competition in 2013 and the awards »Best Artist« at the Varna International Ballet Competition and »New Italian promise« at the Premia La Danza Positano in 2016. His repertoire includes Lanquedem in Manuel Legris’ »Le Corsaire«, the leading role in John Neumeier’s »Le Sacre«, Roméo in Davide Bombana’s »Roméo et Juliette«, Schicksal in Patrick de Bana’s »Marie Antoinette«, Bluebeard’s alter ego in Thoss’ »Bluebeard’s Secret«, Friend of the prince, Polish and Hungarian dancer (soloist) in Rudolf Nureyevʼs »Swan Lake«, Saracens duo in Nureyevʼs »Raymonda«, the husband in Jerome Robbinʼs »The Concert«, Alexei Ratmansky's »Pictures at an Exhibition«, Hans van Manen's »Four Schumann Pieces« as well as roles in works by George Balanchine, Ben Cauwenbergh, Boris Eifman, Jorma Elo, Wayne McGregor, Eno Peci and Martin Schläpfer such as »The Seasons«.