Yummy delves into the life of Angelo D'Aiello, a remarkable individual whose journey embodies the essence of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. From his early struggles to his triumphs as a professional dancer and personal trainer, Angelo opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him into the vibrant and resilient person he is today. Join us as we explore the depths of Angelo's experiences, from the challenges of his past to the aspirations that drive him toward a future filled with creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of his dreams, as well as how interesting his shoot for Yummyzine 5 was and some more intriguing experiences.
The images are cropped/ made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummyzine Issue Five
Photo story by Mirko Fuhrherr, interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hi Angelo, it's a pleasure to have you with us at Yummy. How has your day been so far?
ANGELO D’AIELLO. Hi Adrian, it's a pleasure and an honour for me to be part of the Yummy family. I feel very lucky and still can't believe it happened to me. It was an intense day like the others. As a dancer, I train every day and have six shows per week, but I'm not complaining; in fact, I'm very grateful.
A.G.E. To kick off our interview, let's delve into your background. Could you share some insights into your journey and give us a glimpse into who Angelo truly is?
A.D. This is a good question. You touched on a point on which I hardly express myself. I am a simple, kind, honest, and very sensitive guy. I don't like falsehood. I am a romantic and, above all, a big dreamer. During my adolescence, I faced many difficulties that today I can say I have overcome. I'm a guy who tries to improve himself every day, always questioning himself, and trying to make his life a masterpiece. After so many dark moments that I went through, the last one a few years ago, I made a promise to myself that it would be my priority.
A.G.E. Growing up in Italy must have been quite an experience. Can you take us back to your roots? Where were you born, and what was it like growing up in the vibrant and sunny atmosphere of Italy? Share some stories with us.
A.D. I was born in a municipality in the province of Caserta. I grew up in a humble, honest family and received an education based on healthy values. My father was not very present in my life; he always dedicated himself to work. My mother acted as both my mother and father. I was a sociable child but always a little shy and introverted. At the age of eight, I was hit by a car in front of my parents' eyes, flying 10 meters, but fortunately, nothing serious happened, just a small scratch. From there, my life underwent a huge change, and I don't know exactly what happened or what event caused it, but from that moment on, my life was full of phobias that I couldn't manage. I don't have good memories because those years of my life were difficult. I should have lived them with the carefreeness of a child, but instead, it wasn't. After finishing high school, my father found himself having to close his company, so he found himself without a job. We had no hot water or food to eat, and we almost didn't have a roof over our heads. I found myself having to grow up quickly and find a job to help my family and continue my dance studies. Dance has always been present in my life; it was my refuge from my life and my fears, making me feel good. I don't like to bring back memories linked to suffering, but I tell them with pleasure to let people know the true Angelo, not just the handsome guy we see today but his soul. There were years of suffering that I accept because they helped me become the man I am today, a cheerful, altruistic man, always ready to have a word of comfort for people and who loves his life.
A.G.E. Your journey into professional dance is fascinating. How did your passion for dance unfold, leading you to become a professional? Could you share some highlights from your early years as a dancer?
A.D. It started at the age of 12 watching a talent show in which I took part several years later. After this talent show, I had the opportunity to further my studies in the capital of Italy. I have always been an enterprising, courageous, and stubborn guy, and when I set a goal, I have to achieve it. So, as a child, I always dreamed of flying, a bit like Billy Elliot. It has been a journey of ups and downs, but I never lost hope, even when everything seemed difficult. Along my journey, I met many people who didn't believe in me, but a few who helped me in my artistic journey, and I always thank them; they occupy an important place in my heart. I chased dance a lot, even sacrificing my private life. Dance, like other sports, requires discipline, consistency, and dedication, and I did everything I could to pursue it.
A.G.E. Beyond the world of dance, what other activities bring joy to your free time? Any particular hobbies or interests that you're passionate about?
A.D. In the little free time I have, I try to rest as much as possible because the work I do is arduous. But I also try to occupy it by dedicating myself to some hobbies such as the gym. I have always been interested in the world of fitness. I have been approaching this world for about five years. I like being fit and having every muscle in the right place, and this strong passion pushed me to start a course to become a personal trainer and help people who want to make a change in their lives and start feeling good about their bodies. And because I'm never tired, a few months ago, I started playing volleyball again, a sport I followed as a child along with dancing. It was really nice to start playing again.
A.G.E. I understand you're currently based in Berlin. What influenced your decision to move there, and how has the experience been for you so far?
A.D. My passion for dance led me to make the decision to move to Germany about five years ago. There are many theatres and many more job opportunities for dancers. I have lived in different cities, but for two and a half years, I have been living and working in Berlin. I like it, and I'm happy. I think I have achieved stability for the moment after years of work and sacrifices, but I don't know what life will hold for me.
A.G.E. Moving from the rich cultural tapestry of Italy to the dynamic environment of Berlin must come with its share of changes. Can you elaborate on the cultural differences you've encountered and shed light on how the professional dance scene varies between the two countries?
A.D. The cultures of both countries have a lot in common, but looking closer, there are important differences. For example, the daily rhythm. Italians’ rhythm is a little postponed, while in Germany, people have lunch around 12:00, and it is unusual to have dinner after 8:00. For example, state traffic, although the rules are the same in Germany, they are respected more, etc. As for dance, as I already said in some previous questions, there are more theatres and therefore more opportunities to work. Dance is conceived as a real job, and the desire to go to the theatre is greater than in Italy.
A.G.E. Let's delve into the Yummy experience. What was it like shooting the captivating story with Mirko Fuhrherr for Yummyzine 5? Can you share your thoughts on this unique project, and was this your first venture into nude photography?
A.D. Initially, I was a bit sceptical when Mirko proposed this unique project to me. I asked him many questions because I have received many unwanted proposals in my life. I thought about it a lot, and the question I answered was: "Do you really want to do this shooting, Angelo?". My first answer was “Yes,” so I followed my instincts, and I did great because it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Mirko is a beautiful person and, above all, a true professional. Mirko made me feel very comfortable during the shoot. I have had other previous nude experiences with other photographers, but this was the first time I had done a frontal nude photoshoot that would later be published.
A.G.E. Your presence in diverse settings during the shoot, from the gym in a singlet to a more intimate environment, raises curiosity. Was there a specific narrative or concept driving this shoot? Any intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, especially during the gym scenes?
A.D. When Mirko presented the project to me, we immediately got on board. I liked the story he wanted to tell. A normal daily day that exactly reflected my routine made up of lots of training and a few moments of intimacy. I love spending time alone to listen to myself and give myself moments of intimacy. During filming, I let myself get carried away by the situation, and being alone in the gym made my mind travel a lot, so much so that I got excited. If I think about it now, I'm still excited.
A.G.E. The term "yummy" carries different connotations for different people. What does it personally signify for you, and how does it connect to your experiences?
A.D. Thinking of the term “yummy”, something good, delicious, and attractive comes to mind. If I think of connecting it to my experiences, I think this term reflects me a bit. I like being good and being attractive; it excites me, and therefore, it's really yummy :)
A.G.E. Let's spice things up a bit. Your appearance in that sleek singlet garnered attention for its aesthetic appeal. What's your favourite aspect of your physique, and what do people tend to compliment you on the most?
A.D. I consider myself an esthete. I really love taking care of my body; I consider it my sacred temple. In general, I like to please and get noticed, but without exaggerating. I like to do it in the simplest way possible. People often tend to compliment my physical appearance, my beauty, and my sense of humour. I can say that I am appreciated and I receive many compliments, but external beauty is not everything for me.
A.G.E. Your physique, emblematic of a seasoned professional dancer, is certainly noteworthy. How comfortable are you with nudity, perhaps even in the casual setting of your home? Could you share your perspective on nudity and the attitude you bring to it?
A.D. I am a dancer, and as such, my body is always exposed, especially in the theatre where I work. I feel very comfortable with nudity, even in the informal environment of my home, so much so that sometimes I forget I have the curtains open and show everything off to my neighbours. Nudity was previously taboo for me. Today, however, it is no longer. In fact, I even like playing with it. We are born naked and free from any judgment. We are souls who take on a body, and it is right to treat it not as a simple object. Nudity is not only sexual but also art, and sometimes it's nice to show off our bodies in their rawest and most unfiltered form.
A.G.E. Shifting gears a bit, can you recount the most intriguing or sensual experience you've ever encountered?
A.D. I have several intriguing experiences to share, but I prefer not to share the details. I am a very private person, and I hardly open up to people I don't know, especially when it comes to such intimate things.
A.G.E. What could we find on your bedside table or in your hidden folder?
A.D. In my hidden folder, you may find intriguing videos. I had Only Fans for a short time, and I was having a lot of fun.
A.G.E. Lastly, what does the future hold for you? Do you have any relevant life goals at the moment?
A.D. I hope to maintain my physical well-being and continue to work on my mental well-being because I am a constantly evolving person and to be happy in life. Professionally, I aspire to pursue a career as a model. I strongly desire to work with a professional modelling agency that can offer jobs and projects in the fashion and advertising industry. I hope one day to take part in an important advertising campaign and to see a billboard of me in all the most important cities in the world.
