Italian dancer longing for Hull pattie

Comedy ballet superstars Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo return to Hull this autumn – and dancer Giovanni Goffredo may be recognised by audiences for more than just his pirouettes and arabesques…

As a dancer with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Giovanni Goffredo has been watched by tens of thousands of people worldwide – but appearing in a television series brought him a different kind of fame.

Better known as Gianni, he and his partner Matthew featured in the BBC relationship counselling programme Couples Therapy. Filmed largely during lockdown in 2020 and aired in the UK in 2021, the couple shared their difficulties with clinical psychologist Dr Orna Guralnik. Stepping out of the corps de ballet and into the television spotlight was a surprise for Gianni even after being a theatre performer for years.

“Before I used to be known as ‘Gianni The Dancer’ and now I’m also ‘Gianni From Couples Therapy’ so it has been different,” he says. “Even in New York where we live, I would be recognised three times a week on the street. I went to Australia in March and there were people who had watched the show there. I wasn’t expecting this when we went into it but I’m grateful and happy.

Originally from Bari in Italy, Gianni, 29, attended his first ballet class at the age of five but discovered he was the only boy in the dance school so took up other sports instead. Then when he was 12 his sister began dancing. He went to see her in a show and he was hooked.

“I told my mum that was what I wanted to do and she said ‘OK, I’ll sign you up for dance classes’ and I started. Then my teacher saw that I was talented and she said I should audition for a more professional school.”

Gianni joined The Trocks in 2013. The all-male ballet company, founded in 1974, has gained an international reputation for blending drag, comedy and top-quality dance.

“It was my first job – and I joined Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo! It was pretty exciting,” he recalls.

“Trockadero is one of a kind. It brings something different to people – classical ballet with a twist. It’s comedy, it’s funny and people enjoy themselves. They come out to have a good time and a laugh but also to watch high-level classical dancing.”

For Gianni, The Trocks are a great way to encourage new audiences into dance.

“There is a lot of variety and we bring different repertoire, it’s not like watching a full-length ballet. In Hull you’ll get the famous second act of Swan Lake, Vivaldi Suite inspired by Balanchine and finally the wedding scene from Raymonda which I think is a masterpiece!

“I remember my father coming to see Trockadero and he said it was the first show he hadn’t fallen asleep in! That is what I like about the company, we can reach out to new audiences, from kids to older people. There’s something for everyone.”

The Trocks are back in Hull as part of a tour presented by Dance Consortium, a group of large-scale theatres who bring the best international contemporary dance to venues across the country. It will be Gianni’s second visit to the UK – but his first to Hull.

He said: “I’m really excited to visit. Some of the dancers who toured with the show in 2018 talk about the famous Hull Pattie which sounds delicious. And American Chip Spice which apparently isn’t from America at all. Coming from Italy, I’m passionate about my food and I love to try new dishes so I’m really looking forward to that!”

You can catch Gianni and The Trocks at Hull New Theatre on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October. Tickets are on sale now, which you can book by visiting the Hull City Hall box office, calling 01482 300 306 or visiting www.hulltheatres.co.uk.