Virgilio Sieni (born 1958 in Florence) is a leading figure in Italian contemporary dance. He began his training in classical and modern dance before expanding his studies internationally.
In 1983, he co-founded the Parco Butterfly company, and in 1992, he established Compagnia Virgilio Sieni, which became central to Italy’s contemporary dance scene. His early works explored classical themes like Greek tragedy, evolving into experimental performances that address memory, community, and the body’s expressive potential.
Sieni is the founder of CANGO – Cantieri Goldonetta, a Florence-based center for dance research, and the Accademia sull’arte del gesto, an inclusive program exploring the language of movement. His choreographic work emphasizes gesture, slowness, and tactility, often involving non-professional performers.
He has collaborated with major theatres such as La Scala and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and has received several awards, including the Premio Ubu and France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. From 2013 to 2016, he directed the Biennale Danza in Venice, cementing his status as a major innovator in European dance.
