"From Small Italian Village to Spotlight: My Journey from Dancer to Photographer"


Life is an unpredictable journey, and mine has been nothing short of an exhilarating adventure. At 27 years old, I find myself reflecting on the incredible path that has led me from a small Italian village to first becoming a professional dancer and then a photographer based in Akron, Ohio. It's a journey filled with courage, resilience, and a passion for the arts that has driven me to overcome countless challenges.


At the tender age of 17, I made one of the most courageous decisions of my life - to leave behind my family and hometown in Italy and embark on a new chapter in the United States. What made this transition even more remarkable was the fact that I knew no English. It was a leap of faith, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of pursuing my dreams.


Before my move to the USA, an opportunity arose that would change the course of my life forever. I was offered a full scholarship to join the San Francisco Ballet school. It was a chance to embrace my passion for dance and showcase my talent on a grand stage.


Following a year of rigorous training in San Francisco, I transitioned into a full-fledged professional dancing career. This was no walk in the park. I faced challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But each obstacle only made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to pursue my dreams. I danced in various corners of the globe, from China to Belgium, the Netherlands to Canada, and even back to my beloved Italy.


In 2018, I received a contract as an artist with the Nashville Ballet. It was a dream come true. Nashville became my home for three wonderful years, where I continued to hone my craft and connect with fellow artists who shared my passion. Life was unfolding beautifully, and I felt like I was living my dream.


But as life often does, it threw an unexpected curveball my way. Change is a constant companion on this journey, and sometimes it forces us to reevaluate our path. My time in Nashville was transformative, but it was time for a new chapter, a new adventure.


Life can be an unpredictable journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges. Just when I thought I was invincible, fate took an unexpected turn during my time at the Nashville Ballet. While dancing my heart out on stage, I tore my ACL, and it was a devastating blow that shattered my dreams. Suddenly, the world I had built around my professional dance career crumbled, leaving me in a dark place I never thought I'd experience.


In the aftermath of my injury, as I lay on the operating table, I realized the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. From flying gracefully on stage, I was reduced to relearning the basic act of walking. My support system was limited, and I had to rely on my own strength for much of my recovery. My mother was there for the initial weeks, but I had to find my own way through the darkness.


During the long and grueling 11-month recovery journey, I discovered facets of myself I had never explored before. While I had always been Luca the dancer, having dance taken away from me forced me to see that I had other passions waiting to be unleashed. Photography, in particular, captivated me. The art of capturing life's fleeting moments in a frame became my solace.


During my recovery, fate once again intervened, introducing me to someone who would change my life forever. As I regained my strength, I also mended my heart. By the end of my recovery, I returned to the Nashville Ballet stage, stronger than ever. But I had transformed; I was no longer the same Luca who had entered that dark period.


Life continued to evolve, and when my newly husband received an opportunity to move to Ohio, I saw it as a sign to embark on a new chapter. It was then that Luca Sportelli Creations photography was born. While dance will forever hold a special place in my heart, photography has become my new life. I found my voice in capturing the beauty of dance through my lens, and I discovered the joy of photographing families and people in all their uniqueness.


Welcome to Luca Sportelli Creations, where the essence of life is captured frame by frame. My journey, marked by dance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of passion, has led me to this point. Life threw curveballs, but I emerged stronger and with a new purpose. Through the lens of my camera, I celebrate the beauty of dance and the richness of human connection. My story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and finding beauty in unexpected places.


My life as a 27-year-old Italian photographer in Akron, Ohio, has been a rollercoaster of experiences, challenges, and triumphs. From leaving my family in Italy to pursue my passion for dance, to traveling the world and finding a home here, each moment has shaped me into the person I am today. While life may be unpredictable, one thing remains constant: my unwavering dedication to the arts and the pursuit of my dreams. As I look ahead to the future, I'm excited to see where this remarkable journey will take me next.