I love dancing, but I never learned. My whole family can do it, I can't : Anna Safroncik in Dancing with the Stars

Anna Safroncik, an Ukrainian-born Italian actress known for her roles in television dramas, has announced her participation in the upcoming season of Ballando con le Stelle, Italy’s popular dance competition show. In a recent Instagram post shared in collaboration with the program's official accounts, she expressed her long-standing love for dancing while admitting she had never learned how to move gracefully on the floor. “Adoro il ballo, ma non ho mai imparato. Tutta la mia famiglia ci riesce, io no,” she wrote, highlighting a personal challenge that has persisted throughout her life. She described her desire to learn more, emphasizing that while she dances with her heart, her body has always struggled to follow suit. Safroncik confirmed her inclusion as one of the new contestants, joining a list that includes notable figures such as Alessandro Matri, Aurora Ramazzotti, Eugenio Finardi, Noemi Bocchi, Jimmy Ghione, and Riccardo Rossi. The new season of Ballando con le Stelle is set to air in autumn on Rai 1, Italy’s public broadcaster. Her participation marks a significant step in her career, as she will be expanding her repertoire beyond acting into the realm of performance through dance. She thanked host Milly Carlucci for giving her this opportunity, calling it a chance to acquire a new skill and a thrilling prospect. Born in Kyiv on January 4, 1981, Safroncik is the daughter of a ballet instructor and dancer, Lilija Čapkis, and a tenor, Jevhenij Safrončik. From an early age, she was immersed in the arts, making her theatrical debut at age four in The Tale of Tsar Saltan by Alexander Pushkin. At seven, she joined the National Academy of Performing Arts in Kyiv, where she studied music, singing, dancing, and acting. After moving to Arezzo as a child, she gained recognition in 1998 when she won the title of Miss Tuscany and advanced to the finals of Miss Italy. Her breakthrough came in 2000 with a role in the comedy film C’era un cinese in coma, directed by Carlo Verdone. Her popularity soared in 2004 with her portrayal of Anna Baldi in the soap opera CentoVetrine, which attracted an average audience of five million viewers daily. She continued to build her television career with roles in series such as La figlia di Elisa, Ritorno a Rivombrosa, where she played Marchesa Vittoria Granieri Solaro. She also appeared in Le Tre Rose di Eva starting in 2012. Her film credits include La Matassa, Poli Opposti, and Il Traduttore. Despite her success in acting, Safroncik has always felt a connection to dance, which she now hopes to explore more deeply through her involvement in Ballando con le Stelle. The show, which has become a staple of Italian television, brings together celebrities who take on the challenge of learning to dance under the guidance of professional instructors. Contestants often share their personal stories and struggles, creating a blend of entertainment and emotional engagement. For Safroncik, this opportunity represents both a personal ambition and a professional milestone. As the new season approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how she navigates the demands of the competition and whether she can finally bridge the gap between her passion for dance and her ability to perform it.