Dance teacher based in London offering ballet and contemporary dance classes (online)

Find out more about Monica

• What age did you start playing sport? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I started dancing when I was 6. I could say I was born in a dance school ad my mum is the owner of a prestigious dance school in Italy. I always felt inspired by dance and movement and connected with my body in a way.

• What are your favourite sports; those that you practice at a high level, a simple hobby, and a sport that you'd still like to discover?

  After being a professional dancer for many years, I was forced to stop because of an injury in my hip flexors. Since then, I started to investigate about strength & conditioning for dancers and how important it is to develop a balanced body. I slowly transitioned from dancing to fitness, specialized in Dance Science first and Strength and conditioning after.

• What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue your sport?

  I believe in the power of movement for one physical and mental well-being. Body and mind are very connected and if we don't move our brain stops working. This is what gives me the motivation to keep training and improving myself.

• Do you have a sporting achievement that you're particularly proud of?

  Being able to do pull ups as a hypermobile woman is a great achievement I'm very proud of. Being a hypermobile woman posed unique challenges, especially in activities like pull-ups.
  
  This achievement isn't just about conquering a physical exercise; it symbolizes breaking through personal barriers and defying limitations. It's a testament to the dedication, persistence, and adaptability necessary to achieve goals despite the challenges posed by hypermobility.

• How have your achievements and challenges made you a better sportsperson?

  Achievements served as milestones, validating my efforts and dedication, boosting my confidence, and driving me to aim higher. They provided a sense of accomplishment and motivation to persist.
  
  However, it's the challenges that truly molded me into a better sportsperson. They taught me resilience, the importance of perseverance, and how to thrive under pressure. Overcoming setbacks forced me to reassess, adapt, and develop new strategies. What I've learned so far is that success is not solely about the wins but about the continuous growth and learning from every experience, whether victorious or challenging.

• If you had to go for a jog with a famous athlete, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  I'd love to go for a jog with Serena Williams. Her tenacity, resilience, and unparalleled success in tennis are inspiring. I'd ask her about her mindset during high-pressure moments, how she stays motivated throughout her career, and what strategies she uses to overcome setbacks. Additionally, I'd be curious about her approach to balancing personal life with professional commitments and how she manages to maintain a champion's mindset both on and off the court.

• How do you help people stay motivated?

  As a coach, my primary focus is on understanding my clients' aspirations and creating a roadmap tailored to their goals. My approach involves personalized goal-setting and regular check-ins to keep clients on track.
  
  I prioritize celebrating achievements, offer varied workouts, and emphasize building a supportive community. This is crucial to sustain motivation.
  I believe in fostering a positive mindset and adaptability, acknowledging that motivation ebbs and flows. It's about providing consistent support and tools to keep the fire of motivation burning.

• What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  My extensive background in dance, complemented by studies in Dance Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Neuropsychology, sets me apart as a Superprof in sports. This unique combination allows me to merge artistry with scientific principles, offering a comprehensive approach to coaching that emphasizes physical mastery, mental resilience, and overall well-being in training athletes and individuals.
  
  Also, what distinguishes me as a fitness coach is my commitment to personalized training tailored to individual goals. I leverage a comprehensive understanding of various training methodologies, combined with a knack for motivation and support. My approach emphasizes not just physical training but also mental resilience, adaptability, and a supportive community, all of which contribute to a holistic and effective coaching experience.