Ballet star Bolle set for İstanbul appearance

Arriving in İstanbul on Monday for a four-day trip to promote his show titled “Roberto Bolle and Friends,” the 36-year-old heartthrob was greeted at İstanbul Atatürk Airport by students of the classical ballet department of İstanbul University State Conservatory, who presented him with flowers, the Anatolia news agency reported on Monday.

Noting that this was his first visit to İstanbul, Bolle said: “I’m very excited. I’ve been curious about İstanbul for a long time so I’m very happy to see it. In reality I don’t know that much about the city -- I have seen the Bosporus and the mosques in friends’ photographs, but I want this to be a real learning experience and I will make the time not only to see İstanbul but also other Turkish cities.”

Bolle will stage his show twice, on the nights of July 20 and 21, at Cemil Topuzlu.

Speaking about a humanitarian aspect to his show, Bolle, who has been a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 1999, said the proceeds of the gala will be donated to two charity organizations, Açık Kapı (Open Door) and Bir Dilek Tut Turkiye (Make A Wish Turkey).

Discovered by renowned Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev at the age of 14, Bolle, who is currently principal guest artist at La Scala in Milan and principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre in New York, is widely recognized as one of the greatest male dancers of his generation.