Danila Marzilli

Tell us about your background

I’m an Italian Scots ballet dancer, currently working as an Artist with Scottish Ballet.

Born in Glasgow and raised in Italy, I began my training at RCS in 2016. During my graduate year in BA Modern Ballet, I joined Scottish Ballet as a Guest Artist for the Wee Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella winter tour 2018/19. During this time, I was selected as one of the top five ballet finalists in the televised national dance competition, BBC Young Dancer 2019.

Following my graduation, I worked with Ballet Cymru, dancing the role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, touring the UK, China, Bermuda and New York. I later joined the Baltic Opera Ballet of Gdańsk in 2020, dancing numerous soloist roles until 2023.

I then returned to Glasgow to join Scottish Ballet as an Artist, performing in productions including Cinders! and David Dawson’s Swan Lake. I’m currently rehearsing for the new Nutcracker which is in theatres from winter 2024.

What sparked your love for ballet? 

I can’t remember a time that dance hasn’t been present in my life.

My mum took me to watch my very first ballet at four years old, it was Scottish Ballet’s Nutcracker, and I was mesmerised straight away.

I took up ballet seriously at 12 years old at my local dance school. That’s when I really fell in love with the art form, and it has been present in my life every single day since then.

What was it like studying at RCS?

I remember my time at RCS was full of hard work, because let’s be real: ballet is really hard. I have many wonderful memories shared with some very talented artists from all departments across RCS. I can assure you that every person you meet on this course will inspire you to do more. The years at RCS completely flew by, always being a treasured chapter of my life to look back on.

How did your time at RCS prepare you for the world of work?

Throughout my time at RCS I developed, grew, learnt and experienced so much. I had plenty of performing opportunities and gained experience on-stage but also off-stage, as a dancer but also as a person. RCS was also key to understanding professionalism, moulding me as a student into a professional dancer.

What have been some of your career highlights?

A career highlight of mine has been able to perform David Dawson’s Swan Lake. It was a dream of mine to perform this ballet and I have been very lucky to tick it off my bucket list. I love this production because it really celebrates the corps de ballet at its best – every swan poured their heart and soul into each show. Such a challenging yet inspiring ballet, being the most rewarding experience so far in my career.

Any words of wisdom for those looking to pursue a career in ballet?

Hard work will always pay off, not necessarily in the way you expect, but be patient and confident that your time will come.

What’s next for you? 

To keep growing and learning. When we stop being curious about our art, that’s when we lose the passion. To keep caring and remembering why we started as dancers is vital for the profession, remember the spark and keep it alive.