From ballet to dinner shows: the creative evolution of Sebastiano Di Meo

Miami`s luxury entertainment landscape has gained fresh momentum under Sebastiano Di Meo`s artistic direction. A Venice native and former ballet dancer, Di Meo now serves as Executive Artistic Coordinator for Mr. Hospitality, where he creates immersive dining experiences that merge theatrical performance with upscale hospitality.

«Art is not just an act of creation. It is an act of connection», Di Meo reflects. «I strive to create performances that speak to the soul, blending elegance with bold innovation».

From Venice to the world: a journey rooted in art

Sebastiano Di Meo’s artistic journey began in Venice, a city synonymous with beauty and history. Accepted into the summer intensive programs he trained at both the Royal Ballet School and the English National Ballet in London, Di Meo built his foundation on the discipline of classical ballet. Yet, his artistic vision pushed him beyond tradition. Seeking broader horizons, he studied commercial dance at Los Angeles’ Millennium Dance Complex under luminaries such as Nika Kljun.

This eclectic training allowed Di Meo to merge the rigor of classical forms with the dynamism of commercial dance, forging a unique artistic identity. «Ballet instills discipline, but commercial dance adds freedom», he says. «That balance has shaped everything I do».

Over the past decade, Di Meo has built a career as a choreographer and artistic director. His portfolio spans high-profile projects in Italy, Dubai, Indonesia, and beyond, with highlights including assistant choreography for Italy’s «The Masked Singer» and performing for «Sanremo» in Italy and Expo 2020 in Dubai. Each experience enriched his creative palette, paving the way for his transformative work in Miami.

Redefining entertainment in Miami

When Di Meo joined Mr. Hospitality, a Miami-based luxury dining and entertainment leader, the company sought to reinvent how audiences engage with performance art. Di Meo brought his global perspective to three flagship venues: Queen Miami Beach, Lafayette, and Marion. His productions have redefined the standard dinner show, weaving narrative depth and artistic precision into every performance.

At Queen Miami Beach, Di Meo orchestrates annual events like Halloween and New Year’s Eve and ongoing performances featuring high level talents like Andy Campos Aerialist Cirque du Soleil, Linda Scherp Dancer that perform for Artists such as J Balvin, «The Video Music Awards» and Monique Singers from «The voice». These productions have earned acclaim for their thematic richness and artistic sophistication. «These events are more than performances», Di Meo explains. «They are immersive experiences designed to leave an indelible mark on the audience»

His rebranding efforts at Lafayette and Marion introduced bold new event concepts, resulting in significant brand recognition and customer engagement increases —12 percent within three months of Lafayette’s opening and 22 percent in Marion’s inaugural month. These achievements underscore his ability to align artistic vision with business success.

A visionary’s creative process

Behind the curtain of Di Meo’s productions lies a meticulous creative process. Each performance begins with the choice of music, which Di Meo describes as «the soul» of his work. From there, he collaborates with lighting technicians, costume designers, and performers, ensuring every detail contributes to the narrative.

His productions integrate diverse disciplines — acrobats, dancers, singers, and musicians —into harmonious acts that evoke deep emotional resonance. «Every performance must tell a story», he emphasizes. «Art is at its most powerful when it invites reflection».

Bridging hospitality and art

The entertainment industry faced new challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Di Meo saw an opportunity to innovate and redefine dinner shows as a sophisticated form of engagement. «Dinner shows allow us to bring art closer to people’s everyday lives», he explains. «They create a space where fine dining and high art coexist, offering guests an unforgettable experience».

This vision aligns with broader industry trends. Global revenues in arts and entertainment are projected to reach $3.4 trillion by 2028, fueled by innovations in immersive experiences. Di Meo’s work positions Mr. Hospitality at the forefront of this evolution, blending cultural enrichment with commercial success.

Challenges and triumphs

Adapting his European sensibilities to Miami’s diverse cultural landscape has not been without its challenges. Di Meo notes the logistical complexities of producing large-scale events, from coordinating international talent to navigating multimillion-dollar budgets. Yet, these obstacles have only fueled his creativity.

«Art thrives on challenges»,  he asserts. «Every limitation is an opportunity to innovate». Collaborators describe Di Meo as a visionary leader whose attention to detail and commitment to excellence set him apart. «Working with Sebastiano is both demanding and inspiring», says a performer from one of his productions. «He pushes us to be our best while creating something extraordinary».

The road ahead

Looking to the future, Di Meo envisions expanding his artistic reach. He dreams of establishing a venue where his creative vision can flourish without constraints, crafting performances embodying his unique style. «Freedom is the ultimate goal», he says. «It’s about creating art that speaks to the world».

He also hopes to return his work to Los Angeles, reconnecting with the city where his comtemporary journey began. «Los Angeles is a global stage», he reflects. «I want to contribute to its artistic legacy while continuing to grow as a creator».

Sebastiano Di Meo’s story is one of relentless innovation and cultural synthesis. From the classical ballet studios of London to the bustling entertainment hubs of Miami, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what performance art can achieve. His work enriches Miami’s cultural landscape and sets a precedent for the future of integrated arts and hospitality experiences.

As Di Meo continues to elevate the art of performance, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of creativity. «Art is a bridge», he says. «It connects us to our emotions and the world».

Lily Vega