M M A A X X Z Z I I R R I I L L L L I I
Massimiliano Zirilli
A simple salsa and bachata teacher
Welcome to my world of passion, rhythm and movement! I am Massimiliano Zirilli, a Caribbean dance teacher and choreographer with a long and exciting history in the world of dance. My adventure in the world of dance began way back in 1998, and since then I have never stopped dancing, teaching and creating engaging choreography.
The best things often begin by chance
My roots in dance
It all started thanks to a simple reason: a girl took me to one of the most iconic dance schools in Genoa, Café Latino.
And so, in 1998, I started my first beginner course. While the girl soon abandoned this passion, I continued to dance and cultivate this new passion that changed my life; in short, I knew the most important person in my life for just two months.
First steps
My journey as a teacher
Throughout the 2000s, I had the opportunity to grow as a dancer and teacher.
I started working with Café Latino as a teacher assistant, learning the basics of teaching and gaining valuable experience.
My teacher at the time was essentially Amelia De Martis
My specialist training
A master among masters
During those years, I had the unique opportunity to take private lessons directly from the master of masters, Alberto Valdes. This opened up new perspectives and sharpened my understanding of Caribbean dances.
I also participated in numerous masterclasses and internship events, creating my own personal style following the most talented artists in the industry.
Innovation in the bachata
Innovation
In 2002, I made history in my region by introducing the first figurative bachata courses. This dance style was gaining popularity, and Aventura's success with "Obsession" made it even more fascinating.
It was exciting to see how so many people embraced this dance.
Finally alone
Z.Max Dance School
In 2003, I made a big decision and opened my own dance school called "Z.Max Dance School". This school was born within the structures of CUS Genova, becoming a place of learning and entertainment for many dance enthusiasts.
Subsequently the school headquarters moved from place to place depending on the best conditions
The first awards
Competitions
In 2007, the dedication and commitment of my students brought tangible results. A couple of kids I coached took fourth place out of thirty couples at the "Happy Tour" competition held at the Cezanne in Genoa. In the same year, another couple of my students placed second at the Ligurian salsa regionals, demonstrating our commitment and passion.
My true passion
Shows
Dancing can be experienced from three different angles: social dancing, sporting dancing and a way to express one's creativity, in short, choreographic dancing.
I have always had a passion for the choreographic side which I have always considered a real art form.
Since 2007, I have in fact started following my main passion: the creation of unique and exciting choreographies.
To date, I have created 15 choreographies, which have been performed in numerous venues in Liguria and beyond.
These choreographies have also been presented in important events such as the Havana Salsa Village and Salseando, receiving praise and recognition.
One of these choreographies accompanied the bachata shows (once we also brought it to TV in the specialist show Fiesta Latina) by Henry B, a singer who was very popular in 2011
L'apex
School's party
The school reached its peak in 2011.
At the time the school party became an evening with Caribbean in the main room and disco in the secondary room as can be seen in the video below.
The school party was held at Ex Lux now Tao
The formality
Recognized diplomas
I am FIPD (Italian Federation of Professional Dancers) and ANMB (National Association of Dance Masters) graduates, in order to officially certify my competence and dedication in the field of Caribbean dance.
Not only teaching
Bianco Nero Latino
From 2003 to 2005, I had the privilege of collaborating with DJ Julian's Bianco Nero Latino in organizing dance evenings and memorable events. One of the most significant moments was the organization of an epic event that brought together all the main dance schools of Genoa and hosted great personalities such as the Flamboyan Dancers. This event was a successful springboard for the promotion of Caribbean dance culture in the region.
Event planning
Salsa Mania
In 2007 and 2008, I organized the "Salsa Mania" event, which attracted thousands of people over three days of celebration. The first edition took place at Café Latino in Genoa, while the second took place at Disco Disco in Savona.
Both editions were a great success, demonstrating the passion and overwhelming energy of Caribbean dance.
A forced break
COVID 19
2020 was a year that tested our resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary halt in our teaching and dance activities, but it never extinguished our passion.
Looking to the future
Starting again in 2023
In 2023, I decided to start from scratch. I have started a new beginners course with which this year we will continue this adventure called salsa. Hoping to rebuild a community of passionate and dedicated dancers like the one we have had in the past. My mission is to spread the love of Caribbean dance and create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn, grow and dance together.
My adventure in Caribbean dance is a journey of passion, commitment and joy. I look forward to sharing this passion with you and dancing together in our future.