Performing from the heart

Giovanni Macagnino and his wife Karen moved from the U.K. to Airdrie in 2006 with the goal of bringing their love of performing arts to the city.

Fifteen years later, they are doing just that with their own theatre, dance and voice company.

“After researching the whole of Canada, we landed on Alberta as a destination, then Airdrie came to the top as a small-enough place to be a community, but big enough to offer what we needed for our family,” says Macagnino.

“It still feels small, and the facilities are excellent.”

It is that love for the city that made the couple want to open Zanni Performing Arts about a year ago.

“We felt we had a lot to offer as professional performers,” says Macagnino (or Mr. Zanni as he is affectionately known to his students).

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER EXCITE & EXPRESS

A Fresh Perspective.

ON OCTOBER 18TH, 2021 VOTE

HEATHER SPEARMAN FOR CITY COUNCIL

• Better spaces, resources, and opportunities for families and youth • Pandemic recovery • Economic development • Building a vision for future Airdrie • Advocating for better funding for projects and programs • Strengthening community • Inspiring citizen engagement

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In the U.K., Macagnino received his bachelor of arts (BA) in theatre studies from St. Mary’s University in London and performed as part of a comedy double act, as well as having a number of solo shows, while also acting on stage, on TV and in film, in both comedy and drama.

Karen is a dance teacher with international teaching and performance experience.

She has her BA in theatre from the University of York and has performed all over the world.

IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Macagnino says Zanni Performing Arts takes a unique approach to teaching theatre and dance, where students learn to discover their own performer from the inside.

“Being allowed to express yourself, instead of having to do exactly what the teacher tells you because of a pre-determined syllabus, makes a huge difference.

“It allows personal expression, which so many extra-curricular activities don’t allow,” he says. “Discovering these new skills is always an exciting journey, especially when they are realized by the student themselves.

Macagnino adds artistic expression is healthy for the individual and the group and brings communities together.

“Our motto is ‘to excite and express,’” he says.

“We want kids who are excited to learn performing, and we allow them to express themselves. The main thing about our teachers is that we all love imparting our knowledge and passion for our specialities.”

Macagnino says that he also feels it is important for local businesses to give back to the communities that support them.

“We have a student on a free full scholarship from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, and we have just aligned with Tails to Tell Animal Rescue Centre to help them raise funds,” he says.

“Some children never get the chance to take classes due to financial considerations, and that’s sad, and animals have no defence to human ignorance or cruelty,” says Macagnino of why he chose these charities. life

Did you know the Macagninos were featured in a very early issue of airdrielife?

When planning their move to Canada, they were corresponding with us about their big decision. You can read the fall 2005 issue on our website: issuu.com/airdrielife