ASTRA VESPERA

What is the story behind your stage name?

Astra Vespera is the star that appears at dusk, at a time of serenity and mystery. The name reflects my spiritual and deeply feminine side, as well as, I am told, the magnetism of my dark eyes.

What is your story with dance?

I was born in Milan, Italy. I began ballet at the age of three and knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a professional dancer. From the age of nine, I devoted my entire life to dance.

I joined an intensive cursus in a dance school, where I trained for six hours a day after school. It was extremely demanding, but it was my path, and my mother supported me every step of the way.

In high school, I attended a specialized institution where dance was the main subject. I then joined a contemporary dance academy in Milan. Finally, I discovered heels dancing, and it was love at first sight.

Although ballet and heels dancing are very different stylistically, to me they share the same emphasis on posture, grace, and presence. It was around that time that a friend told me about an audition for a Parisian cabaret, Crazy Horse Paris. As I began researching it, I was captivated by the beauty of the images I discovered. I immediately knew that I wanted to become part of the company.

What kind of woman are you when you dance on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

Crazy Horse Paris allows me to express myself through my sensuality and become the best version of myself. On stage, I feel a quiet power within me. “Confidence is silent” is a phrase that guides me through life.

What do you want to convey to the audience when you dance on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

I want the audience to understand the power of a gaze. When I first arrived at Crazy Horse Paris, I did not speak English very well, so eye contact became my way of connecting with the other dancers.

Since then, I have developed it as a language, because a look can say more than a thousand words. It creates a connection with the audience and adds another layer of depth to every choreography.

The message I would like to convey is that anyone can strengthen the way they communicate with the world through their gaze.

What did you discover about yourself when you became a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

Confidence, in both senses of the word.

First, confidence in my body and in my image, which has encouraged me to take even greater care of myself. And then a deeper inner confidence: the intimate conviction that anything is possible because everything depends on me.

Working at Crazy Horse Paris taught me that when I combine strength, conviction, and commitment, I can reach for the stars.

In your opinion, what has created the magic of Crazy Horse Paris for the past seventy-five years?

I believe the longevity of Crazy Horse Paris rests on three main elements.

First, the beauty that surrounds us at every moment. Then, the constant pursuit of excellence is shown by every professional, every dancer, every costume maker, and every technician. And finally, its ability to reinvent itself continually.

How do you feel about leaving everything behind to join Crazy Horse Paris?

I am embracing it very well. I am naturally curious and eager to discover new things, so this change of life is exciting for me.

The only difficult part is being separated from my family because we are very close. But pursuing your dreams unfortunately involves sacrifices. I understood that very early.

How would you define femininity?

I come from a family of strong and independent women, especially my mother, who succeeds in everything she undertakes.

To me, femininity comes from elegant strength, profound determination, self-belief, and confidence in your ability to fulfil your destiny.

Which female icons inspire you?

My mother, above all. She is a joyful and positive person who taught me one essential belief: the purpose of life is simply to find what makes you happy.

Thanks to her, I was able to choose a life in dance. She never doubted me. She showed me that we must believe in our dreams and that discipline, high standards, and hard work allow us to achieve them. Today, I try to pass on those same values on to my younger sister: strength, confidence, and independence.

Can you tell us about the solo act Rougir de Désir, which you were assigned in the showThe Dubai Edition?

Rougir de Désir is the act that moves me most deeply. Every time I watched it, I had tears in my eyes, and today I am the one performing it, which is a tremendous honor. To me, this solo is the very definition of elegance. The choreography, lighting, and music are absolutely perfect. The dancer reveals a certain vulnerability, yet that does not make her weak. On the contrary, exposing her fragility makes her even more powerful and even more beautiful.