A Q&A with Coventry Dancer Stefania Catarinella

In Warwick Conferences’ recent campaign videoLink opens in a new window Spaces To Express Yourself, audiences were captivated by the grace and expression of Stefania Catarinella – the Coventry-based dancer whose performance brought the venue’s spaces to life. With a background rooted in ballet and a career spanning contemporary, aerial dance and physical theatre, Stefania’s unique artistry shines throughout the video.

We asked Stefania to share a bit of information about her journey in dance, what it was like filming in the heart of winter and how movement has become her language for storytelling, healing and connection.

Personal & Background

When did you start dancing, and what inspired you?

I started at the age of 5. My mum signed me up to dance classes because she says I was always moving and dancing. In all fairness, I remember the first few years I didn't like going and I would cry each time I had to put on those pink tights (I started with ballet). Then I met new friends and over time dance became my community. Dance came before anything else for me. At age 15 I was scouted to go study in the US, in NY. Although my family couldn't afford it, it became clear for me that was the path I wanted to follow and that I would have done whatever it takes to make it work

What styles of dance do you specialise in, and what do you love about them?

Started with Ballet, and Modern-Jazz as a kind, then discovered Contemporary and within it all the different styles and schools (Graham, Cunnigham, Horton, Release, Floor Work amongst others...), then Dance-Theatre, Physical Theatre and Aerial Dance (yes, I dance in the air and it's cool!)

Who are your biggest dance influences?

I had so many good influences over the years. Some are/were teachers I had the fortune to study with, some other choreographers I worked with or I wish I had worked for.. I think my inspirations changed with me, depending on the phases of life, artistic maturity and creative interests

Behind-the-Scenes of the Video

What was it like being part of this marketing video?

It was a great experience for me. I have worked more in theatre settings than commercials, but I absolutely loved it and I hope there will be more opportunities like this one in the future.

Can you share a memorable moment from filming?

I think it really impressed me meeting everyone and seeing how big and hard work is behind the scenes of a work like this... everyone worked so well together, with harmony, supporting each other while at the same time bring laugher

What was the most challenging part of the shoot?

Definitely shooting outside in the freezing cold of early January

How did you prepare for this performance?

I had meetings with Scott, the director and learned about the commision. We talked about the vision for it, the concept and what kind of movement and expression he was looking for. I offered some suggestions in terms of look and best movement to satisfy his vision. Then I listened to the music over and over, experimenting with some movement vocabulary. During the shoot I worked closely with Scott and the team to adapt and plaster the movement and again, we all worked brilliantly together.

Creative Process & Passion for Dance

How does dance help you express yourself?

Growing up dance was my safe space. As a teenager especially, it allowed me to express feelings I wasn't able to express otherwise. With time, my relationship with dance transformed so many times, following the phases of life and my personal growth. Today it's not just dance anymore. There's Pilates too, walking, dancing professionally and for leisure and many other forms of movement that I find healing and so so beneficial...

What’s your favourite part about performing?

When there's a close audience (outdoor touring) I like to have close interaction with people, see them enjoy or react to the performance while it's happening. In theater I love the magic of the behind the scene, the preparation, and the first step on stage, or the first movement, music note or light that comes on... what happens next already exists

What emotions or story were you trying to convey in this video?

Flow, freedom, expressiveness, openness and personally I think also beauty, the beauty of art, elegance but also relatable to other things, for example the unique architecture of some of the buildings.

How does music influence your movement?

They go hand in hand... it's like a secret, silent dialogue we cannot hear or see but it exists

Just for fun!

If you could dance with any artist or in any film, who/what would it be?

This is something I've never done nor do I have the skills for... but I've always been fascinated by the work of stunts or doubles in movies. It requires lots of technicality, various movement knowledge, sometimes dance of course, but it can also be very dangerous...

Describe your dance style in three words.

Elasticity, dynamic, soul

What’s your go-to pre-performance ritual?

Body warm-up, including lots of Pilates techniques to prepare the body. Breathing and focus-centring exercises to prepare the mind. Buddhist chanting to prepare the spirit and myself as a whole.

A thank you from our team

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Stefania Catarinella for sharing her time, insights and incredible talent with us. Her passion for dance and creativity brought a unique and powerful energy to our campaign. It was a privilege to collaborate with a local artist whose work so beautifully captures the spirit of imagination and expression at the heart of Warwick Conferences.

Watch the videoLink opens in a new window