Milano Cortina 2026: costumes worn by principal dancer Claudio Coviello and principal dancer and prima ballerina Antonella Albano during the Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games showcased Italy, its culture and its creativity. It also sought to convey a universal message of peace and dialogue. The team responsible for the ceremonies included Marco Balich, creative director; Damiano Michieletto, director; Fattoria Vittadini; Nikos Lagousakos and Tamara Catharino, choreographers; Paolo Fantin, set designer; Massimo Cantini Parrini, costume designer; and Andrea Farri, music director. The first scene depicted the myth of Cupid and Psyche, portrayed by principal dancers Antonella Albano and Claudio Coviello, surrounded by other performers dressed as neoclassical statues. The sequence was inspired by the famous work of Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757–1822). Coviello explained the link between dance and the Olympic Games: “In my view, a dancer and an athlete are united by an absolute dedication to physical and mental discipline, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and a great sense of passion.” Donated by the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026