Master Antonio Salernitano was born in Naples, where he studied and graduated from the Ballet School of the Teatro San Carlo under the guidance of the renowned teacher Bianca Gallizia. He began his professional experience within the Ballet Company as early as his fourth year of study, becoming a permanent member after completing the eighth course in 1970, and just a year later, he was promoted to soloist. He participated in the entire ballet and opera repertoire of the prestigious Neapolitan institution, performing both in Italy and abroad until 1997.
In 1971, he won the prestigious Rovere d’Argento award as the youngest soloist in Italy. Among his teachers and choreographers are world-renowned names such as Sparemblec, Pistoni, Beriozov, Gay, Prebil, Kovacev, Vassiliev, Fascilla, Nureyev, Messerer, Landi, Petit, Alonso, Nunez, and many others. As Principal Dancer, he performed countless leading roles and partnered with numerous international dance stars, including Carla Fracci, Ekaterina Maximova, Elisabetta Terabust, Luciana Savignano, Monique Dessutter, La Piolet, Valentina Kozlova, and many more.
Maestro Salernitano was often invited as a guest Principal Dancer in theatres and ballet companies across Italy.
Since 1997, he has devoted himself passionately to teaching classical ballet, continuously deepening his understanding of academic technique.
As Regional Representative for AICS Campania and a member of the National Dance Commission, he has organized numerous events, including the Choreographic Award for Maggio dei Monumenti, Danza sul Mare, Natale Insieme, Maschere Ballerine, and Danser Avec Nous, among others.
He has also conducted numerous seminars on the Technique and Methodology of Classical Dance, including notable collaborations with the National Dance Academy of Rome.
Maestro Antonio Salernitano has created numerous choreographies across various theatrical fields, including a fruitful collaboration with the Agorà Arte Association.
Today, in addition to holding workshops, professional classes, and dance seminars, he serves as Artistic Director of several competitions, such as Premio Napoli in Danza and Premio Scugnizzo per la Danza.
Maestro Antonio Salernitano has been honored with three lifetime achievement awards and is part of the history of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, where he is listed among the great names who have graced its stage in a special edition published by Guida Editore.