Meet Sara Zanelletti

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Zanelletti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with SARA below.

Hi SARA, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?

Non-verbal communication has always been a natural extension of myself and my personality, ever since I chose to express myself through dance as a child.

Non-verbal movement is a powerful language, sometimes uncomfortable. It is a subtle act of rebellion, a transgression, capable of shaking the viewer with the fluidity of a gesture or the brutal impact of a sudden movement. This was my world, a universe made of silent gestures.

My experience in entertainment, followed by teaching the Italian language and social media, has allowed me to develop a versatile and effective communication skill. Working as a dancer in Italy, Europe, and later with Cirque du Soleil taught me the power of non-verbal language. But being Italian, I also had to refine my verbal communication: speaking English as a second language, adapting to interact with artists from different cultures and expressive styles. I tend to use my hands a lot when I speak (a typical Italian trait!), while my Japanese colleagues, for example, were much more reserved in their gestures. Imagine me, all hands in motion, in front of them, impassive.

The real challenge, however, came when I decided to stop dancing for work. Moving from bodily expression to words was a radical change, but having always loved telling stories, this opened new possibilities. I began teaching Italian to high-profile clients, developing a personalized teaching method that values each student through cultural empathy and communicative sensitivity.

During quarantine instead, I started my podcast, Sara Z La La Land Stories, where I interview professionals from various fields. This further helped me refine my ability to listen, engage, and make my message more effective.

As a published author of Non ho chiesto l’America, I later realized the crucial role of written communication. Promoting the book required an entirely new skill set—public speaking, interviews, and engaging with a live audience—much of which I learned on the spot. In these situations, you have to speak in a way that captures the audience’s attention. It’s essential to be yourself, but at the same time, you must carefully weigh your words to make an impact. While I prepared for certain potential questions, I’ve always loved to improvise!

Dancing, teaching, interviewing: in every field, communication has been the key to connecting with others. And it still is.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Sara Zanelletti, known as Sara Z, from a small city in Emilia Romagna, Italy. Dance shaped my early years—it wasn’t just a passion; it was my entire world. I trained relentlessly, performing in contemporary companies, events, and musicals across Europe. My biggest turning point came when I was discovered by a former Cirque du Soleil director’s assistant in Italy. He saw something in me—something I had always felt but didn’t know how to unleash. He choreographed a physically demanding, emotionally layered role for me, challenging me in ways I had never experienced. More than a choreographer, he became my mentor, pushing me to dream bigger. He believed I had what it took to join Cirque du Soleil. With his encouragement, I traveled to Vienna in 2006 to audition for the renowned company.

Then, in 2008, the unimaginable happened—I got the contract. I packed my bags and flew to Las Vegas, stepping into a world unlike anything I had known. I co-starred in Believe with Criss Angel, an experience that felt like the pinnacle of everything I had worked for. But alongside the thrill came the challenge of adapting—not just to a new country, but to the demands of Cirque itself. It was an elite, high-pressure environment that pushed me beyond my limits, both as an artist and as a person.

After Cirque, I faced an identity crisis. For so long, dance had defined me. It had always been my essence. I knew exactly who I was—until I didn’t. Searching for a new path, I moved to LA to pursue acting and trained in improv at The Groundlings and UCB. It was a different kind of stage, one that required quick thinking and sharp instincts. I booked a few projects, even earned a nomination at the Eerie Film Festival in Pennsylvania, yet the doors of Hollywood remained firmly shut. Either I had the wrong look, the wrong accent, or—ironically—I wasn’t “Italian enough.” Even with a talent agent, the industry always seemed to find a reason to say no.

To support myself, I started teaching Italian—a decision that, at first, felt like a detour from entertainment but ultimately brought me right back to it. Through teaching, I unexpectedly connected with the film industry, working with actors, producers, and creatives behind the scenes, including a few celebrities. Teaching became my new way of performing—a space where language, storytelling, and connection came together in ways I never anticipated.

Yet, beneath all these transitions, loneliness lingered—especially in those early years in LA. That solitude eventually found its way onto paper, leading me to write Non ho chiesto l’America, a novel that explores identity through the journey of Giulia, my alter ego, navigating the adventures and struggles of the immigrant experience. Then, during quarantine, my desire for connection took another shape: I launched Sara Z La La Land Stories, a video podcast where I’ve had the privilege of sharing unique stories from public figures in both Italian and English. The project caught the attention of Vanity Fair Italia for their social media, which led to an exciting brief collaboration.

Looking back, my path has been anything but linear. And even now, it’s a work in progress—always evolving. There are moments when I feel creatively drained. Years ago I fought against them. I believed I had to always be creating, always doing something, or I would feel like a failure. Now, I’ve learned that those moments of stillness exist for a reason—to recharge, to reflect, to make space for something new. The emptiness that once scared me? Now, I use it, filling it little by little.

From dancer to actress to Italian teacher to storyteller, every chapter has shaped me in ways I never expected. These weren’t separate identities but different facets of who I’ve always been. And if you, reading this, ever feel lost, make a list of your skills—what comes naturally to you, what you love doing. You might just find that your true path is a fusion of everything you are. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Adaptability: Each career shift required embracing change. For those starting out, it’s crucial not to cling too tightly to rigid plans. Opportunities often arise unexpectedly. If you feel stuck, do something you have never tried before, without judging it, staying curious and open to new experiences that can lead to unforeseen paths.

Resilience: Rejection is inevitable, whether in auditions or job pursuits. I’ve faced numerous “no’s,”. However, each setback offered lessons about myself and the industry. Developing a thick skin without losing passion is essential. Remember, our minds often exaggerate fears; reality is usually less daunting.

Connection: Building genuine relationships has been central to my growth. Engaging face-to-face, discussing projects, and truly understanding others have provided invaluable insights and guidance. Even when tempted to stay in, making the effort to attend events often led to meaningful interactions and fresh perspectives. Stepping out of comfort zones can result in unexpected and rewarding experiences. Additionally, taking breaks from social media has enhanced my mental well-being, reducing feelings of anxiety and the tendency to compare myself to others. We are all unique, each on our own life voyage.

Embracing adaptability, resilience, and genuine connections has profoundly influenced my journey, and I encourage others to cultivate these qualities.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

I don’t have a specific “ideal client.” I naturally attract more clients from the entertainment industry simply because I come from that world, but I teach Italian to anyone who wants to learn. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Italy, planning to live there, or need to improve your Italian for business or fun—I’m here to help you reaching your goal. A presto!
www.learnitaliannow.com

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos by Mario Gramegna

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