Ballet dancer Roberto Bolle on Tuesday received an honorary degree from the University of Florence.
    Bolle, 50, principal dancer étoile at La Scala Theatre Ballet and a TV celebrity, got an honorary master's degree in practices, languages, and cultures of communication.
    "It's a tremendous thrill because this mission of bringing dance to everyone, of making it feel like a more inclusive, less refined art, is a journey I began at a very young age, I was 21, and over time it has developed into important initiatives that have profoundly impacted my career, with television events, with the dance festival that I return to Milan every year and brings free events to everyone," said the Piedmont born international star, whose Bolle And Friends shows regularly top TV ratings.
    "This moment rewards and recognizes everything I've done over many years," he said.
    Bolle then explained that with his "foundation, we have now launched an initiative to bring dance into schools, in 10 schools in Milan.
    "We have started weekly dance courses to introduce kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity or fortune to dance to this art form.
    "Dance provides educational values, teaching one's body, education, awareness of space, relationships with others, respect for all of this, as well as discipline in how to approach the teacher and oneself.
    "So, in that sense, it truly is a life teacher who can help these kids on their journey." "Classical dance is very selective, but it's a path worth taking for the journey itself, not just for the goal you reach at the end.
    "It's an educational and physical journey that helps; kids need to do something physical that connects them with themselves, with emotions, with their bodies, with music, with space," something that isn't just "virtual." Bolle added that "sometimes stumbles along the way are good because they make us stronger.

We need to start from there; kids need to learn it."
   

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