Stefano de Martino

Stefano de Martino
Name	Stefano de Martino
Birth date	03 October 1989
Birth place	Naples, Campania, Italy
Occupation	Dancer, television presenter, singer
Years active	2008–present
Spouse	Belen Rodríguez (m. 2013; div. 2015; remarried 2022; separated 2024)
Children	Santiago de Martino

Stefano de Martino is an Italian dancer, television presenter, and recording artist known for his work on Italian variety shows, talent competitions, and popular entertainment programs. He emerged from regional dance circuits in Campania to national prominence through appearances on talent television formats and later expanded into hosting, music releases, and brand partnerships. De Martino's career intersects with major Italian media institutions, international artists, and philanthropic initiatives.

Early life and education

Born in Naples, Campania, de Martino grew up in a family rooted in southern Italian culture and local artistic traditions. He trained in contemporary and classical dance at regional studios in Naples and moved to Milan and Rome for advanced instruction, studying techniques associated with institutions such as the Accademia Nazionale di Danza, Teatro alla Scala Ballet School, and studios connected to choreographers who worked with companies like the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and La Scala. His early teachers had networks with figures affiliated with the Venice Biennale, Piccolo Teatro di Milano, and Teatro San Carlo. During adolescence he participated in competitions organized by Federazione Italiana Danza Sportiva and international festivals including the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto and events curated by the European Dancehouse Network.

Dance career

De Martino gained public visibility after participating in nationally televised dance competitions modeled on formats similar to Amici di Maria De Filippi and shows aired on RAI and Mediaset channels. He collaborated with choreographers who previously worked with companies such as Balletto di Roma, Aterballetto, and Opéra National de Paris, and performed in productions staged at venues like Teatro Sistina, Teatro Argentina, and Arena di Verona. His repertoire spanned contemporary, modern, and commercial styles, with credits in television choreography alongside directors from production houses linked to Endemol, Magnolia, and Banijay. He toured theaters and festivals across Italy and performed in benefit galas attended by personalities from the worlds represented by RAI, Sky Italia, and La7.

Television and presenting career

Transitioning into television, de Martino became a presenter and commentator on entertainment programs broadcast on major Italian networks including Rai 2, Canale 5, Italia 1, and Sky Uno. He hosted segments resembling formats produced by Fremantle, Warner Bros. International Television Production, and FremantleMedia Italia, and worked with presenters whose careers span programs such as Striscia la Notizia, Le Iene, and X Factor Italia. His on-screen partners and collaborators have included figures from the Italian media ecosystem such as Maria De Filippi, Carlo Conti, Antonella Clerici, Paolo Bonolis, Mara Venier, and Simona Ventura. He appeared as a guest and mentor on talent shows with judges and coaches connected to artists like Vasco Rossi, Laura Pausini, Emma Marrone, and Morgan. De Martino also featured in variety specials produced with creative teams who have worked with names like Roberto Bolle, Fiorello, and Gabriele Muccino.

Music and other artistic pursuits

In addition to dance and television, de Martino released music singles and collaborated with songwriters and producers associated with the Italian pop and urban scenes, including studios linked to Universal Music Italia and Warner Music Italy. He worked with composers and musicians who have credits with artists such as Eros Ramazzotti, Tiziano Ferro, Jovanotti, and Nek. His recordings included pop, dance, and crossover tracks promoted on platforms connected to Radio Italia, RTL 102.5, and RDS. De Martino also engaged in acting cameos in productions tied to Rai Fiction and Mediaset dramas, and participated in stage projects alongside theatre directors who have collaborated with Luca Ronconi, Giorgio Strehler, and Renato Carpentieri.

Personal life

De Martino's private life has been covered extensively by Italian tabloids and magazines including Chi, Vanity Fair Italia, GQ Italia, and Donna Moderna. He has familial ties to Naples and maintained residences in Milan and Rome while working in television networks headquartered in Via Monte Santo and Cinecittà. His close public associations include interactions with models and entertainers represented by agencies like Elite Model Management, Women Management, and IMG. He is a parent and has participated in parenting features alongside journalists and columnists from La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, and Il Sole 24 Ore lifestyle sections.

Public image and media controversies

As a public figure, de Martino has been the subject of press coverage concerning relationships, media appearances, and contractual disputes with producers and networks such as Mediaset and RAI. Coverage by tabloids and entertainment outlets including Dagospia, Il Fatto Quotidiano entertainment columns, and TV Sorrisi e Canzoni sometimes spotlighted conflicts involving talent agencies, management firms, and reality show formats. Public commentary involved personalities from social media, influencers affiliated with Instagram and TikTok platforms, and legal representatives versed in Italian entertainment law and the policies of SIAE and FIMI.

Philanthropy and endorsements

De Martino has participated in charity galas and campaigns benefitting organizations and initiatives associated with institutions like Emergency, Fondazione Telethon, Save the Children Italia, UNICEF Italia, and AIRC. He endorsed lifestyle and fashion brands distributed through retail partners such as OVS, Coin, and boutiques represented in Milan Fashion Week and Pitti Uomo, and collaborated on campaigns with cosmetics and fitness brands present in partnerships with Sport e Salute and Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro promotional events. Endorsement activities involved collaborations with advertising agencies and marketing firms operating in the same network as national campaigns promoted by Mediaset Pubblicità and RAI Pubblicità.

Category:Italian dancers Category:Italian television presenters Category:People from Naples