Marina, how old were you when your artistic career began? And today do you consider yourself a showgirl? My artistic career started when I was 19. I had worked sporadically as a model before, compatibly with school. In the summer of 1996, in the time between my written and oral High School finals, I was told that I had been selected as a “velina” (dancing showgirl on the popular TV show “Striscia la notizia”, translator’s note) for the successful Canale 5 show “Striscia la notizia”! I stayed on the show for three consecutive seasons and then I moved on to other roles in the following years. My professional choices have always been very focused: I love travelling and I speak both English and French well, so I have found space in “on the road” programs such as “Fuego,” “Wozzup” and “Donnavventura.” Then I had other opportunities to work as a host for shows, TV promotions, events and conventions. So, considering my background, I can’t consider myself as just a showgirl, but more as a show host/reporter. Have you ever thought about becoming an actress? The world of cinema is very fascinating to me. The idea of playing different roles and expressing some controversial aspects of my personality intrigues me. I have studied acting privately and attended some “Actor Center” seminars in Rome, but my TV commitments have often kept me busy, so opportunities have been limited so far. However, I can’t rule out pondering some of the possible opportunities I receive in the future. Can you tell us about your experience as a velina? Would you do it again? The three years I spent on “Striscia la notizia” were really great. Antonio Ricci (the creator of the show, translator’s note) is a really bright person and the rest of the group are smart and got along well. During those years a number of people hosted the show: Ezio Greggio and Enzo Iacchetti, Jerry Scotti and Franco Oppini, Paolo Villaggio, Massimo Boldi, Gene Gnocchi... I learned a lot from all of them. There was always a very cheerful atmosphere. I remember spending hours laughing and joking in the dressing and make-up rooms waiting to go live! To the question “would I do it again” the answer is definitely “yes”! What do you think about veline? Only beautiful girls or good dancers as well? A velina should be first and foremost good-looking, young and bubbly. It’s not necessary to be professional dancers but it’s essential to be familiar with some dance steps. Being nice, confident and a good amount of improvisation do the rest… “Striscia la notizia” is an excellent window and a good starting point, but in the following years you have to test yourself with other professional challenges and prove that you can do other things as well. I think training and perseverance are essential qualities in this and other jobs! What’s your relationship with Roberta Lanfranchi? When we worked on “Striscia la notizia” together I considered Roberta a friend more than a colleague and I still feel that way. Unfortunately, we don’t see much of each other because in the last few years Roberta has been living in Rome with her husband and two kids and her family has kept her busy. She has recently come back to Milan for work and we have managed to see each other more. I respect her very much, both from a professional and personal point of view. We have many things in common and sound principles, which is quite rare in our world! Today, just like in the past, we are each other’s biggest fans! How do you spend your free time? As I said before I love traveling. Whenever I can, I leave Milan and go search for adventure! When I don’t have a lot of time I spend weekends visiting with friends in different parts of Italy, from the Appennines near Parma, the coast of Liguria (the region where I was born) and my dear friends in Riccione, who are always ready to take me to the beach at the “Flamingo” or the “Byblos” for a fun night! Whenever I can I fly to faraway places, with a backpack and look for adventure. Other hobbies of mine are reading, jogging, going on trips with my dog, movies, cooking and anything that is new! Your unconfessed dream? I’d like to host a show about traveling similar to Licia Colò’s “Alle falde del Kilimangiaro.” Working in cinema is also one of my dreams for the future. What are your plans for the future? This summer I decided to pass on some professional opportunities and go to Australia for at least two months. I traveled, as I have done on many occasions before, and I visited places as I’m always looking for new challenges. I have a real thirst for adventure and nothing can compare to the sense of freedom and the amount of experience I collect during my journeys. You have to make choices in your life and give up something, but I think you always have to follow your instinct without changing your character.