We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikael Pasini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mikael, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism is fueled by the boundless belief of a child-one who sees the world as a playground of infinite possibilities, where every challenge is simply a puzzle to be solved. That child is confident in the knowledge that, no matter how tough the journey, victory is inevitable. I wake up each day with the same mindset, viewing life as a beautiful gift. When we approach it through the eyes of a child, everything becomes lighter, and obstacles feel far more manageable. It’s this unwavering optimism that I believe is the key to truly winning in life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Mikael Pasini, and I hail from a small town in Sicily called Castelvetrano, where I spent much of my childhood. My journey into dance began at the tender age of four, when my uncle, who ran a restaurant, introduced me to an entertainer who was also a dance teacher. She saw potential in me and encouraged my parents to enroll me in her dance school. As I grew older, my curiosity led me to explore other styles of dance, prompting a switch to a new studio. It was there that the Artistic Director convinced my parents to let me audition for a prestigious Ballet Academy. At 11, after my first audition, I was accepted-but convincing my father to allow me to go was an entirely different challenge. He believed it was a waste of time. After months of persistence, I finally gained his approval, and that moment felt almost as difficult as the audition itself.
My daily routine became a whirlwind: school in the morning, then a 2:45 pm train to the academy, where I’d eat and do homework during the 90-minute commute before heading into ballet class. After class, I’d catch the train back home, have dinner, shower, and prepare for another day. I stuck to this rigorous schedule for four years, until, at 14, I moved to Rome on my own to continue my studies at the Academy’s main location. It was a tough transition-being away from my family, friends, and everything I knew-but I was motivated by the sacrifices my father made to support my education. I didn’t want him to feel his hard work was in vain, so I gave my all.
Despite the distance, my father never saw me perform until I graduated at 19, earning the highest marks. That moment, when he told me how proud he was of me, was deeply emotional and something I will carry with me forever. After graduation, I began working with various choreographers and performing in TV shows. One of the most memorable moments of my career so far was dancing alongside Carla Fracci, an iconic Italian prima ballerina, considered one of the greatest of the 20th century. During my freelance years in Rome, a video of my performance caught the attention of award-winning Artistic Director Igal Perry, who invited me to join his company in New York City and offered me a full scholarship for the Certificate Program at Peridance Center in Manhattan. This opportunity marked a new chapter in my life, and I continue to embrace each step of this incredible journey.
As a versatile concert dancer and triple threat, I’ve had the privilege of performing at some of the most prestigious events both in the U.S. and internationally. From electrifying the stage at the TDF Gala Broadway Awards to bringing high energy to New York Fashion Week with the clothing brand Studio 189, my career has allowed me to work with incredible talent.
Television and film credits include high-profile projects such as *Wonderama* (an American talent show produced by David Michaels) and *Amici*, Italy’s longest-running and most-watched talent show. I also had the opportunity to showcase my skills in *House Party* and the film *Un uomo e una voce* directed by Giuseppe Conti.
My commercial dance expertise has opened doors to work with a diverse array of music artists. One of my most memorable experiences was dancing with Israeli superstar Gad Elbaz on his *L’Chaim World Tour* at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve also performed alongside renowned Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini. In the music video realm, I’ve had the chance to appear in projects such as Mordechai Shapiro’s *Ashira* (with over 1.7 million views), Simcha Leiner’s *Shuvi*, and Brandon Jerrod’s *Overtime*, which won Best Music Video at the Hudson International Film Festival in NYC.
My passion for performance has taken me to some of the world’s most celebrated venues, including the iconic Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company in Igal Perry’s *Nutcracker*, and the Sony Music Hall with choreography by Miles Keeney (known for his work on *Good Morning America*, the *NBA Brooklynettes*, and *RuPaul’s Drag Race*).
In New York City, I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the greatest internationally acclaimed choreographers in the industry, including Robert Battle (former Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Jessica Lang, Johannes Wieland, Mike Tyus, Larry Keigwin, and Julie Magneville, to name just a few. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the many experiences that continue to shape my career.
At the XYZ NYC Art Show, I had the honor of receiving the OZ Award for Best Performer, a moment that truly encapsulated my passion for the art of dance. This dedication to the craft not only fuels my performance but also drives my work as an educator. I’ve been fortunate to teach ballet technique at renowned institutions such as Westchester Square Academy High School, the New York Performing Arts Academy under John L. Stepanian II, and Beyond Dance Center of the Performing Arts, led by Jennifer Abad Amato. My journey has also led me to Jete’ Dance Center, directed by Tamia Santana (Executive Director of the Brooklyn Dance Festival and Brooklyn Museum), as well as The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.
As both a ballet and contemporary dance educator, I’m deeply committed to enhancing my students’ technical abilities-helping them develop everything from flexibility and coordination to musicality and stage presence. I focus on fostering a thorough understanding of both classical and contemporary ballet, while nurturing each student’s unique artistic voice and helping them realize their full potential on and off the stage. My goal is to instill not just technique, but a deep love for the art form that they can carry with them throughout their careers.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I could share one piece of advice today, it would be this: never let anyone dictate what you can or can’t achieve. Work relentlessly, but don’t forget to be gentle with yourself along the way. We’re all human, and it’s okay to stumble, to make mistakes, and to stray from the path you envisioned. What truly matters is how you respond, the lessons you take from those moments and the strength to keep moving forward. Because trust me, the rewards are worth it, and one day, you’ll look back and realize why things had to unfold just the way they did, even if it wasn’t what you first imagined.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most powerful impact my parents had on me was their unwavering dedication and sacrifices. They worked tirelessly, putting their own lives on hold, all for me. I owe them more than words can express. Even from a distance, their emotional support has been a constant, and I will forever be grateful for their trust, especially when they believed in an 11-year-old boy with big dreams and invested everything they had in me. I know not everyone is as fortunate as I am, and while I might not have Elon Musk’ net worth, I truly feel like the richest person alive. Having two parents who love and support me, and a family like mine, has been the greatest blessing I could ever ask for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikaelpasini/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikael.pasini.9/
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