With roots stretching from the streets of Milan to the shores of the Caribbean, Riccardo Passera embodies a dance journey shaped by heritage, passion, and relentless exploration.
Born in Italy and inspired by the rhythms of Aruba, Riccardo discovered dance through the vibrant energy of Caribbean social traditions, where movement became a language of love and connection.

His journey began at Ratz Mataz school, inspired by the joy and polyrhythms of Caribbean social dances that he first encountered through his family’s heritage in Aruba, before expanding into ballet, modern, and contemporary dance at The Ballet School, AreaDance Nuova, and New Style Dance. His pursuit of artistic excellence led him to New York City, where he studied at The Ailey School and performed iconic works by Alvin Ailey and Mauro Bigonzetti during Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s celebrated seasons at New York City Center.

Today, Riccardo dances with the Jon Lehrer Dance Company and inspires young artists as a Teaching Artist with Notes In Motion’s Education Ensemble. Along his path, he has brought to life the visions of world-renowned choreographers including Amy Hall Garner, Ronald K. Brown, Darell Moultrie, and Norbert De La Cruz III.

For Riccardo, dance is more than movement — it is a way to uncover the inner self, a bridge between individual emotion and shared human experience, where the body speaks what words cannot.