Tommaso Marini, the talented fencer from Ancona, Italy, has made headlines not only for his athletic prowess but also for his recent stint on the popular dance show 'Ballando con le Stelle' (Dancing with the Stars). This season concluded with Marini and his dance partner, Sophia Berto, finishing fourth overall, sharing this honorable spot with fellow competitors Anna Lou Castoldi and Nikita Perotti as well as Luca Barbareschi and Alessandra Tripoli.
At just 24 years old, Marini's accomplishments as a fencer are remarkable. He is the reigning world champion and has won numerous prestigious titles, including gold at the World Championships and silver at the Olympic Games. When reflecting on his experience on 'Ballando con le Stelle,' he couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "We are really happy and super pleased with the path we've taken," he stated, highlighting his enjoyment throughout the competition.
Despite not clinching the top spot, Marini expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity presented by the show. "It's finished, and I feel a bit sad. It's like I found a new family here," he commented behind the scenes. This experience was not just about competition for Marini; it served as a platform for personal growth and self-discovery.
One particularly poignant moment for Marini was when he shared the tattoo he got inspired by his time on the show. With one leg inscribed with the phrase 'some dance to Remember' and the other 'some dance to forget,' he explained how these words symbolize his emotional connection to his dancing experience. "Sometimes I danced to not think about anything else, and other times to recall certain emotions." His tattoos echo his internal struggles and the healing power of dance.
The show's finale showcased Marini and Berto performing a waltz, dedicated to his young nephew, which left the audience and judges alike captivated. Marini's ability to convey emotion through dance led to stellar reviews, including praise from prominent judges like Fabio Canino and Ivan Zazzaroni. Carolyn Smith, another judge, remarked on his growth, saying, "Now for you, a new adventure begins. You’ve understood what's inside you and what you can do." Marini received scores of three nines and one eight, totaling 35 points for their final performance.
Interestingly, Marini announced during the final broadcast his decision to pursue acting, stating, "I realize I can open myself up to more fronts. I will start studying acting, something I have always been passionate about and began to cultivate alongside my fencing career." This decision marks a significant turning point for Marini, who at one point felt he had to choose between his two passions. Now, with greater maturity, he intends to embrace both, aiming for excellence in all his pursuits.
Reflecting on how the experience on 'Ballando con le Stelle' will influence his life, Marini felt it provided him with more than just dancing skills. He shared his belief during the show, saying, "I tried to dance remembering the energy and grit I had inside and wanted to bring out. At the same time, also to forget some still open wounds, but I think it's sometimes important not to think about them. Closing them is difficult; we have to think they don't exist." This perspective shows Marini's resilience and deep emotional reflection.
Selvaggia Lucarelli, one of the show's judges, praised his unique dedication to dance and commented positively on the tattoos he chose to have done during his time on the show. Marini explained these tattoos came from chance; during one visit to Trastevere, he was inspired to get inked after hearing the song 'Hotel California,' which features lines echoing his dance experience's significance.
Although he and Berto were later eliminated from the competition after facing off against Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice, Marini's friends and family know he has already achieved so much, regardless of the outcome. His mother, Anna Indri, had said before the competition, "For us, Tommaso has already won." With the holiday season approaching, Marini will return to Ancona, where many have been cheering him on throughout his dancing adventure.
Marini’s time on ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ has not only showcased his dynamic capabilities beyond fencing but also demonstrated his desire to connect deeply with both audience and art. Looking forward, he aspires to balance his dual passions of fencing and acting, eager to explore new avenues of expression and achievement.
