Francesco Scarpato

Biography

Francesco Scarpato was born in Italy and trained at the La Scala Ballet School in Milan. From 2006 to 2008, he studied under Frédéric Olivieri and Leonid Nikonov, having previously worked with Annamaria Prina. On May 31, 2008, he graduated with diplomas in classical ballet and contemporary dance.

After two seasons with the National Theatre in Brno, he joined the Czech National Ballet in Prague in August 2010. His talent and commitment quickly earned him a promotion to demi-soloist in the 2012/2013 season and to soloist in 2015/2016.

Francesco’s artistic journey has been marked by a rare combination of technical finesse and emotional authenticity. He has portrayed iconic classical characters such as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Lescaut in L’Histoire de Manon, Gurn in La Sylphide, and the Nutcracker in Vámos’s The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol. His lyrical interpretation of the Golden Deer in The Sleeping Beauty and vivid stage presence as the Mouse in The Nutcracker and the Cuddly Mouse demonstrate his theatrical versatility.

In the realm of contemporary and neoclassical dance, he has excelled in works by William Forsythe (The Second Detail), Sharon Eyal (Bill), Jiří Kylián (Gods and Dogs, Bella Figura, Six Dances), Hans van Manen (Frank Bridge Variations), Krzysztof Pastor (Moving Rooms), and Mauro Bigonzetti, with whom he created a riveting portrayal of the Dervish in Scheherazade.

Scarpato’s stagecraft is enhanced by a profound musicality and understated charisma, making him a sought-after interpreter across diverse choreographic languages. A regular guest at gala performances, he also shares his experience with the next generation of dancers through teaching.

Classical Repertoire

• Coppélia – Wedding Dance (Ronald Hynd)

• La Bayadère – Solor’s Friend, Bodhisattva (Javier Torres)

• La Sylphide – Gurn (Johan Kobborg)

• Romeo and Juliet – Romeo, Benvolio (John Cranko)

• Swan Lake – Pas de trois, Benno, Hungarian Dance, Prince’s Companions (Kenneth Greve, John Cranko)

• The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol – Prince (Youri Vámos)

• The Sleeping Beauty – Golden Deer, Prince’s Friends (Javier Torres); Prince of the South (Márcia Haydée)

• The Snow Queen – Goblins (Michael Corder)

• La Fille mal gardée – Boy with the Flute (Frederick Ashton)

Contemporary and Neoclassical Repertoire

• Americana III – In the Middle Somewhat Elevated, Theme and Variations (William Forsythe, George Balanchine)

• Balletomania – Apollo’s Dance (Helena Kazárová)

• bpm – Bill (Sharon Eyal)

• Czech Ballet Symphony II – Psalm Symphony, Guru (Jiří Kylián, Petr Zuska)

• Dance On... The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol – Policeman Bobbie, Nutcracker (Youri Vámos)

• Dance On... The Second Detail – (William Forsythe)

• Dance On... Life of Dancers – (ensemble)

• Forsythe / Clug / McGregor – The Second Detail (William Forsythe)

• Gala of the Czech National Ballet – Take Me with You

• Gods and Dogs – (Jiří Kylián)

• Holo Harmonies – Pas de deux 2 (Mauro Bigonzetti)

• Kafka: The Trial – Painter (Mauro Bigonzetti)

• Kylián – Bridges of Time – Psalm Symphony, Six Dances, Gods and Dogs, Bella Figura (Jiří Kylián)

• Leonce & Lena – Court Preacher (Christian Spuck)

• L’Histoire de Manon – Lescaut (Kenneth MacMillan)

• The Nutcracker and the Cuddly Mouse – Mouse (Petr Zuska)

• Cinderella – Entertainment Organizers (Jean-Christophe Maillot)

• Moonshine – Dance at the Crossroads, Rooster (Christopher Bruce)

• Phoenix – Puppet, Prelude und Liebestod (Alejandro Cerrudo, Cayetano Soto)

• Protančíme tím – (ensemble)

• Puppet – (Cayetano Soto)

• Sarcasms – Expectation (Andrey Kaydanovskiy)

• Scheherazade – King’s Loyal, Dervish (Mauro Bigonzetti)

• Slavic Temperament – Dumka, Aspects (collective authors)

• The Sun, the Moon and the Wind – Wind, Wolf (Viktor Konvalinka)

• Timeless – Elegy Boy, The Chosen One (Glen Tetley)