Experiencing life through art
Choreographer
Dancer | Skater | AerialistKnown for her unique approach to dance and movement, with a background enriched by diverse influences and extensive experience, Gardolin has carved a niche for herself in the world of dance and theatre. Her choreography is distinguished by its fluidity, emotional depth, and the seamless integration of various art forms.
Jess is a versatile artist capable of crossing not only different dance styles but also different art forms.
Jess Gardolin, a native of Brazil, embarked on her artistic journey at the age of five, distinguishing herself as a national champion in figure roller skating. She received her training at the Teatro Guaíra Dance School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Arts of Paraná in Curitiba. Since 2007, she has been engaged professionally as a dancer and aerialist, collaborating with various companies and projects in dance, physical theater, acrobatic theater, opera, and musical theater, and has participated in productions such as “Homem Vertente,” “Saltimbancos Trapalhões,” “Wicked,” and Companhia Rudá. In 2017, Jess became a member of Compagnia Finzi Pasca, where she played a pivotal role in the development of acclaimed productions such as “Maria de Buenos Aires” and “Einstein on the Beach,” in partnership with the Grand Théâtre de Genève, as well as the opera “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” in collaboration with the StaatsOper Hamburg. She has also participated in international tours featuring the productions “Luna Park,” “Nuda,” “Abrazos,” “Donka,” “La Verità,” and “Per Te,” under the direction of Daniele Finzi Pasca, performing in over 20 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2022, she received an invitation to participate in the Ubuntu Connection dance battle at the Euroscene festival in Leipzig, Germany, where she showcased her “Tap Roller Dance” choreography and secured victory alongside her team. In 2024, she became a dancer at the Bühnen Bern opera house, participating in the productions “Siegfried” and “La Vie Parisienne,” where she is currently with “Götterdämmerung.”
Gardolin’s journey into Arts began at a young age, as she was exposed to a wide range of artistic forms, including roller skating, classical ballet, modern dance, physical theatre and latin dance. This eclectic foundation has allowed her to create pieces that are both immersive and emotionally resonant, speaking to audiences on multiple levels.
In 2021, Jess debuted as a choreographer in the Swiss and European markets, working on projects spanning dance, theatre, opera, music videos, musicals, and circus. In 2023, she was invited by La Tache 21 to choreograph the dance theatre production “Minotauro” at Teatro Sociale Bellinzona. In 2025, Jess will choreograph the sung ballet “The 7 Deadly Sins,” in collaboration with the Aalborg Symfoniorkester in Denmark and the Orchestre National de Lille in France, under the direction of Sandra Preciado. Furthermore, Gardolin is set to premiere “ELEMENTS,” co-created with Marzio Picchetti, in June in Switzerland.
2025: ELEMENTS – Unknown Company coming soon!
2024: Am I AI? – collaboration with the pianist Silvia Pellegrini. Zurich. CH
2024: Studio 68, Auditions – Direction, acrobatic theatre. Montagnola. CH
2024: Met’amorfosi – ArtinCrea, Festival Territori Bellinzona. CH
2024: The Sound of Home – Tasis, Musical Theater, Montagnola. CH
2024: Minotauro – Teatro Sociale Bellinzona, La Tache 21. Bellinzona. CH
2022: Tap Roller Dance – Ubuntu Connection, Euroscene, Leipzig. DE
2023: Monarch Butterflies – Sweet November Dance Company, Tasis. CH
2023: Via Coflussa – Collective Via Coflussa + ArtinCrea, Saceba. CH
2023: The Windcatcher – Tasis, Musical Theater, Montagnola. CH
2022: Tempo Impetuoso – Sweet November Dance Company, Tasis. CH
2022: Now Departing – A Movement of Humans, Acrobatic Theater, Berlin. DE
2022: Progènie – Punto 301, Fashion Show, Saceba. CH
2022: The Little Lord Montleroy – Tasis, Musical Theater, Montagnola. CH
2021: Light – Chiara Dubey – Videoclip, Zurich. CH
Jess Gardolin and Marzio Picchetti, a light designer, crossed paths in 2017 and tied the knot in 2020. Their bond goes beyond their personal relationship, blossoming into a collaborative artistic journey. Together, they seamlessly merge life and creativity, crafting a distinctive synergy in visual aesthetics. Their groundbreaking approach elevates performances, where light takes on an active role, engaging with performers and choreography.
Gardolin’s creativity flourishes through a seamless partnership with musician Ali Salvioni. Their collaboration fosters an artistic dialogue where Gardolin’s instinctive movement is profoundly influenced by Salvioni’s compositions. His music acts as a catalyst for Gardolin’s idea exploration, resulting in visually captivating pieces rich in emotional and thematic layers.
Gardolin’s choreographic process is highly instinctive. She values the input and creativity of her collaborators, often encouraging them to contribute their own ideas. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of diversity and resulting in dance pieces rich in authenticity and personal expression.
Jess Gardolin’s influence extends beyond her own creations. As a dedicated educator, she has inspired dancers and athletes through workshops and masterclasses programs. Her teaching approach fosters a mindful learning environment, ensuring her students not only master techniques but also develop a deeper understanding of dance as an expressive art form.
2024/2025
