The word étoile is French for star, with danseuse étoile literally translating to ‘star dancer’.
It is the highest rank in ballet.
The surprise announcement was made by La Scala superintendent Dominique Meyer and ballet director Manuel Legris at the end of her performance with étoile Roberto Bolle in Onegin.
The 32-year-old joined La Scala’s ballet school aged 12 and has been prima ballerina at the theatre since 2014.
She is married to Latvian Timofej Andrijashenko, La Scala primo ballerino, who proposed to her on stage at the Verona Arena at the end of the Bolle and Friends show in July 2022.
Manni burst into tears on receiving the news.
“It is truly magical what has happened,” she said.
“I don’t have many words, but I am truly grateful.”
“She deserved it,” said husband Andrijashenko.
“I am happy, we dreamt about this happening,” he added.
ANSA
