Royal Ballet First Soloist Valentino Zucchetti leaves the Company in October 2026
Ashley Woodfield – Head of Ballet Press
2 July 2026
Royal Ballet First Soloist Valentino Zucchetti leaves the Company after 16 years to pursue his choreographic and producing career.
Valentino says 'The Royal Opera House has been my physical and spiritual home during this time and being a dancer with the Company has been a childhood dream come true. I was extremely fortunate to have been inspired and surrounded by some of the most incredible artists whom I have the pleasure to call my friends. I will cherish this chapter of my life forever. It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision but it’s time for me to contribute to the art form in other ways and watch this amazing group of people develop beyond my time.'
Before he embarks on the next stage of his career, Valentino perform for the final time in the role of Lescaut in Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon on 19 and 24 October 2026.
Kevin continues 'His positive approach has also informed his enthusiasm for choreography leading to many deserved successes across the range of his creative output. I am delighted that we have been able to provide opportunities for his choreography to flourish and it is exciting that he can now develop this further. He has been a wonderful Company member and has made an invaluable contribution to the life of The Royal Ballet. We wish him well for the future.'
Zucchetti was born in Calcinate, Italy, and aged 11 moved to Milan to study at La Scala Ballet School. He subsequently trained at The Royal Ballet Upper School and on graduation joined Zürich Ballet and then Norwegian National Ballet. He joined The Royal Ballet in 2010, was promoted to First Artist in 2011, Soloist in 2012 and First Soloist in 2014.
Zucchetti has performed across the range of The Royal Ballet’s extensive repertory.
Valentino as a performer
During his time with both The Royal Ballet School and the Company, Zucchetti honed his own choreographic skills, regularly presenting new works at Draft Works and creating award-winning works for the Main Stage as well as creating Sonata for Six for the School’s 2013 matinee. In 2013 he choreographed Orbital Motion for New English Ballet Theatre. His 2020 ballet Scherzo for The Royal Ballet received the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance. His ballet Anemoi created for the Main Stage of the Royal Opera House received its world premiere in June 2021 and won the Critic's Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography in 2022. In 2022, he created Prima for The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration.
