Hometown:
Dayton, Ohio
Education and Training:
Pontecorvo Ballet Studios/Gem City Ballet starting the Professional Training Division at age 9 under Barbara Pontecorvo, Dayton Ballet Jr. and Sr. company, current dance major at Wright State University (2019-2023).
Do you have a nickname that you like to go by?
Liv
What other organizations or dancers have you previously danced with?
I was in Nashville Ballet’s Professional Training Division (2017-2018), Trainee with BalletMet (2018-2019), and dancer with Wright State Dance Program (2019-current).
What is your favorite thing about being a dancer?
My favorite thing about being a dancer is how I am always pushed to grow; physically, mentally and emotionally.
What is your favorite memory at the Dayton Ballet?
My favorite memory at the Dayton Ballet was dancing in the Nutcracker and being a part of such a big production. Especially dancing in the waltz of the flowers and feeling the energy from all 12 women on the stage.
What is your favorite thing about the Dayton Ballet?
My favorite thing about the Dayton Ballet is the positive environment and strong sense of community. Being from Dayton I love the strong connection and history that the Dayton Ballet has with the Dayton community.
Favorite role or costume so Far?
My favorite role so far was a courtier in Dayton Ballet’s Cinderella (Spring 2021), it was really fun to act and dance. I also enjoyed dancing Serenade set by Jerri Kumery with BalletMet’s trainee program
What do you want patrons to know about you?
I am also a teacher in the Dayton Ballet School!
What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a professional dancer?
I also have a passion for makeup, so I would enjoy being a makeup artist. I love that doing stage makeup is part of my job as a dancer.
What is your favorite food or cuisine?
Sushi
Do you have pets?
I have an Australian shepherd named Mario
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am excited for my first official season with Dayton Ballet!
What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
Be persistent. There’s a place for you in the dance world, you just have to find it. Don’t compare your journey to others and keep carving your own path.
Read Full Bio:
Olivia Bruno grew up in Dayton, Ohio where she trained with Pontecorvo Ballet Studios and the Dayton Ballet School. She attended summer programs at Louisville Ballet, BalletMet, American Ballet Theatre, and Nashville Ballet. In 2017, Olivia was invited to the professional training division at Nashville Ballet where she spent a season training. The following year she went on to become a trainee with BalletMet. Olivia enrolled at Wright State as a dance major in 2019 while simultaneously dancing with Dayton Ballet’s second and main company. Since joining Dayton Ballet she has danced roles in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, The Great Gatsby and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Olivia is excited for her first season in the main company and would like to thank everyone who has supported her along the way.
