Centro di Formazione Ricerca & Danza

Centro di Formazione Ricerca & Danza is a dance school in Venice founded on the belief that dance is for everyone, regardless of physical difference, personality or social background. The school welcomes both those pursuing dance as a future profession and those seeking a formative and stimulating experience. Beyond technique, the school teaches principles applicable to life: discipline, commitment, punctuality, order and respect for oneself and others.

The school has built a reputation for addressing profound themes through student choreography, tackling subjects including discrimination, bullying, mistreatment and eating disorders. It has also become a point of reference for classes dedicated to children with special needs, thanks to the master's qualification that instructor Filippini holds in dance and Down syndrome.

The school is conceived first and foremost as a large family in which to grow together — a meeting place for deep and lasting human relationships. Students encounter not only a dance teacher but a life mentor and friend.

Centro di Formazione Ricerca & Danza organizes the Veneto Dance Award, a competition born in 2018 (originally as Venice Dance Award) that has expanded across all provinces of the region and now attracts schools and dancers from across Italy and beyond. The competition emphasizes shared spirit over pure competition, held in a joyful and familial atmosphere. Each year it hosts international judges including Oriella Dorella, Josè Perez and Mia Molinari, who award prizes for placement, best costume, best choreography and talent, and offer numerous scholarships enabling students to continue their learning with celebrated professionals.

Classes for all ages and levels begin 12 September each year.

A welcoming environment designed as a family space where you can develop both as a dancer and as a person. The school emphasizes human connection and treats instructors as life mentors as well as teachers.

Maestra Filippini holds a master's qualification in dance and Down syndrome, enabling the school to offer specialist classes for children with special needs.

The school explicitly welcomes all ages and levels, regardless of physical, personality or social difference.