ABOUT me
From passion to purpose. From dance to connection.
early years
Born on June 22, 1999, in Mantua, Italy, Johnny grew up in a family where music and dance were part of everyday life.
From an early age, ballrooms became his playground, and rhythm, movement, and expression became second nature.
first encounter with country line dance
In 2012, at just 13 years old, Johnny discovered Country Line Dance almost by chance. What began as a simple invitation from his cousin quickly turned into a life-changing passion.
Guided by his first teachers, Tex and Arizona, he learned the foundations of the style and received the nickname Johnny — the name that has stayed with him as his artistic identity ever since.
Around the same time, he discovered the emerging Catalan Style, which deeply influenced his artistic development and helped shape his identity as a dancer.
the moment everything changed
Only a few months after starting his journey, Johnny stepped onto the stage of the Voghera Country Festival in 2012, performing in Adriano Castagnoli’s international project United Countries. The atmosphere, the energy of hundreds of dancers, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger left a lasting mark on him.
Inspired by this experience, Johnny created his very first choreography: Stay Up, set to Taylor Swift’s Stay Stay Stay. It was an advanced, phrased choreography blending traditional country foundations with the athletic power of Catalan Style. Syncopations, contrasts, and changes of direction reflected his natural instinct to merge tradition with innovation.
Presented at the Tacchino Hat Line Dance Trophy in 2013, the choreography earned second place. More than the result itself, this moment brought clarity: choreography had become Johnny’s voice — his way to express emotion and connect deeply with others.
DORADO RANCH COUNTRY DANCE
In 2015, at only 16 years old, Johnny founded his club "Dorado Ranch Country Dance", supported by friends who stood beside him like family.
Teaching classes, creating new choreographies, and participating in events soon became part of his everyday life.
In 2017, he received his first international invitation as a trainer at Country 4 Friends in Austria, organized by Mario and Lilly Hollnsteiner — respected choreographers in the Catalan Style scene who have supported his journey ever since.
learning beyond country dance
Between 2018 and 2021, Johnny joined Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Brescia, where he immersed himself in ballroom and Latin disciplines such as Smooth, Rhythm, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Bachata, and more.
This experience shaped him deeply — not only as a dancer, but as a teacher and as a person. The one-to-one teaching approach helped him understand the psychology of learning: adapting to different personalities, building trust, motivating students, and transforming lessons into meaningful experiences.
Daily teaching refined his ability to break down complex movements into clear, accessible steps — a skill he continues to bring into every workshop today.
dance as a language of connection
Johnny defines his style as a fusion of influences: rooted in country, enriched by diverse genres, and guided by emotion rather than labels. For him, dance is a universal language — one that unites people, sparks creativity, and allows expression where words often fall short.
Continuing the journey
Today, with humility and gratitude, Johnny continues to teach, choreograph, and share his passion across Europe. Inspired by the community that supports him, he remains deeply convinced that dance has the power to bring people together and create genuine, lasting connections.
