On Friday, May 9, 2025, the beloved Italian dance show Ballando con le Stelle celebrates its 20th anniversary with the premiere of a new spin-off titled Sognando... Ballando con le Stelle, hosted by Milly Carlucci and Paolo Belli. The show, airing on Rai1, introduces an innovative format that aims to find a new dance master for the upcoming autumn edition, while also honoring the show's rich history.
In a departure from the traditional format, Sognando... Ballando con le Stelle will feature a competitive element where ten aspiring dancers will vie for a coveted spot among the masters of the main show. This four-week event will take place every Friday night, showcasing the talents of these hopefuls alongside seasoned professionals from previous seasons.
Milly Carlucci, who has been a staple of the program since its inception, expressed her excitement about the new venture. "This is not just a nostalgic look back; it’s a real competition designed to select the future of Ballando con le Stelle,” she stated during an interview. Carlucci emphasized the importance of maintaining the emotional connection that the show has fostered over the years, noting, "The emotion must always be the same, otherwise, it means you cannot do this job."
The show promises to be a celebration of dance and talent, featuring special guests from past editions, including former contestants and celebrities who have left their mark on the dance floor. Among the notable guests will be Francesco Totti, the former captain of AS Roma, who Carlucci has pursued for years to appear on the show. "Francesco's yes came out of exhaustion because I have been asking him for 20 years to come to Ballando con le Stelle,” she remarked humorously.
With a format that combines competition with nostalgia, Sognando... Ballando con le Stelle aims to engage both the audience at home and the live viewers at the Auditorium del Foro Italico. Each episode will include performances, special tributes to the show’s legacy, and a panel of judges that includes familiar faces from the dance community, ensuring that the essence of the original program remains intact.
Selvaggia Lucarelli, one of the judges, expressed her enthusiasm for the new format, stating, "It’s exciting to see how the show evolves while still honoring its roots. The public's participation through social media adds a fresh dynamic that keeps the show relevant to today’s audience.”
The show’s structure will allow viewers to witness the journey of these aspiring dancers as they perform alongside established professionals, showcasing their skills and creativity in various dance styles. The judging panel will play a crucial role in determining who advances, with input from the audience contributing to the decision-making process.
As the show unfolds over the next four weeks, viewers can expect a mixture of emotional moments, competitive spirit, and a celebration of the art of dance that has captivated audiences for two decades. Carlucci's vision for the show reflects a desire to connect with the audience on a deeper level, rekindling the joy of dance that has been somewhat overshadowed in contemporary entertainment.
"The joy of dancing together has been rediscovered through our show," Carlucci noted. She highlighted how the program has adapted over the years to include diverse stories and themes, such as disability awareness and same-sex dance partnerships, which resonate with a broader audience. "It’s beautiful to dream, but it's also vital to tell the stories of the many realities that exist in our society. Sometimes, these are viewed with prejudice simply because we don’t understand them," she added.
The premiere of Sognando... Ballando con le Stelle marks a significant milestone not just for the show, but for Italian television as a whole. With its innovative approach and commitment to celebrating the past, the show aims to inspire a new generation of dancers and fans alike.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming episodes, fans of Ballando con le Stelle can look forward to a blend of nostalgia, competition, and fresh talent that promises to keep the spirit of the show alive for years to come.
In summary, the launch of Sognando... Ballando con le Stelle is more than just a celebration of a two-decade legacy; it’s an invitation for viewers to engage with the art of dance in a way that is both meaningful and entertaining. With Milly Carlucci at the helm, audiences can expect a captivating blend of talent, emotion, and celebration that honors the past while looking forward to the future.
