It is an absolute pleasure for me to present to you Ms. Valentina Scaglia. Everyone knows I love me some NDT… What can I say, the dancers the repertory… so nice to watch. And with artists like Valentina, no wonder I am hooked. I have watched Valentina with NDT for as long as I have watched NDT. She is one of my favorite dancers to pass through that company… actually she is one of my favorite dancers anywhere.

It is strange to try to describe her quality in words. Anyone who has seen her perform knows exactly what I am talking about. Valentina is one of the best female contemporary dancers I have ever seen. Sure she has a great technique, and a beautiful physique… This only adds to her specialness. She has a unique movement quality that grabs your attention… and keeps it. She is fluid, dynamic, stunning… to say the least. How can someone have such control over EVERY part of her body??? No matter what choreographer she is dancing, watching her perform is always a special treat. Although in the work of Kylian she is extra amazing. When I leave a performance after watching her… I want to dance!

Valentina Scaglia is from Italy. In 1995 she won the Prix Espoir, at the Prix de Lausanne. Her professional dancer career began at the Hamburg Ballet from 1997–2000. From 2001-2004 she joined Nederlands Dans Theater 2. From 2004, Valentina enjoyed many great years at Nederlands Dans Theater I.  In NDT she had the possibility to work and create with choreographers such as Jiri Kylian,Paul Lightfoot/Sol Leon, Hans van Manen, Johan Inger, Wiliam Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Wayne McGregor, Crystal Pite among many others. During the last year, she has been coaching and teaching NDT repertory.

Working with all those great choreographers, colleagues and as well working with her husband, Lukas Timulak, Valentina said she has had the opportunity to grow and to always keep searching and discovering new and inspiring worlds as an artist and as a human. She is also the mother of two beautiful girls. it doesn’t stop there, after lots of studying and practice she is now certified for the level 1 GYROTONIC® method and continues further her education with GYROKINESIS® method and additional courses.

I love it when I get to present artists that have no idea that they are a huge inspiration to me. Thank you for your inspiration Valentina.


When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

I don’t remember having clear ideas or wishes to become someone in particular… slowly with time one question raised up …keep dancing for ‘real’ or play seriously volleyball?!


Valentina’s Favorite Things


 Favorite Things to eat?

Fresh home made food in good company. From Italian to Japanese…once a year an amazing Cheese Fondue! Not to forget ‘il dolce’ at the end!!!

Favorite Books?

Blindness – Jose Saramago. The Power of now – Eckhart Tolle

Favorite Movies?

Cinema Paradiso (giuseppe Tornatore) The lives of others. (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck) Short films by Bill Viola.

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

To dance myself…Of Any if and by William Forsythe. Whereabout unknown by Jiri Kylian. Watched:

‘Wordt aan gewerkt’ by Hans Hof Ensemble


I like dancers who…

…are humble honest and can constantly surprise and challenge themselves and love what they do on stage and in life.


I am afraid of…

…my own thoughts sometimes…


A dance piece should…

…Be LIVED fully and not only simply danced or watched…both from the dancers and the audience point of view


Something you like to do other than your current job?

Connect with nature, read, bake cakes. Of course spending time with my two girls!


What is your most embarrassing moment?

As a child loosing the skirt on a life television program during a short dance performance on the day of my 14 birthday.


One of the hardest things about your job?

Being far away from my family from young age.


One of the happiest moments in your life?

When unexpected moments manage to touch my heart and leave a trace…


One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, a new amazing world appeared to me. AND being Pregnant!


Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

My mum and dad for letting me experience all that and keeping me down to earth and true to my values. Narcisa Spada ,my first dance teacher for believing in me, teaching me to dance with heart and soul and giving me wings to fly without loosing my roots. Jiri Kylian for his wise humanity and vulnerability that allowed me to unfold, discover and express new sides of myself. My husband and kids for sharing with me good and bad moments and being my biggest life inspiration and guide.


Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

Live life to the fullest right now then we will see…


 A question you would like to know the answer to?

There is no real answer anyway …


Dear aspiring artists,

Keep searching and questioning, work hard and do not give up too easily…the best moments come just after the hill sometimes! Most of all love and enjoy what you do!!!

— Valentina Scaglia

 Photo Journal


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“Whereabout unknown” (Jiri Kylian) ©Kenta Kojiri

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 Fluke (Mats Ek ) ©Joris Jan Bos

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“Memoires d’ Oubliettes” ( Jiri Kylian)

OF ANY-JJB.jpg.136_059.1_compressed

 “Of Any if and”(William Forsythe)

SOLO ECHO-JJB.584_0118_compressed

 “Solo Echo” (Crystal Pite) ©Joris Jan Bos

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“Tar and Feathers” (Jiri Kylian) ©Sharon Mor Yosef

vanihing twin_compressed

“Vanishing Twin” (Jiri Kylian) ©Joris Jan Bos

Whereabouts Unknown

 “Whereabout unknown” (Jiri Kylian) ©Kenta Kojiri


Have you worked with Valentina? Have you seen her perform? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below.

Thank YOU for reading!


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Main Photo by: ©Joris Jan Bos


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