15 ° C
Profile

Day: 23 September 2025

Interview: Princess Grace Award Winner John Lam on his 20-Year Ballet Career, Building Community, and Launching the Company He Was Born to Lead

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025
John Liam

In partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, Monaco Life proudly presents a monthly series spotlighting the lives and artistic contributions of the Foundation’s remarkable Award winners.

This month, writer Kelli Acciardo sits down with 2005 Princess Grace Award recipient John Lam — international ballet star, former Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, and newly appointed Associate Professor at the Boston Conservatory— to discuss his next act: launching his own company, LamDanceWorks. 

From honouring his heritage to mentoring the next generation, John Lam opens up about legacy, leadership, and how he’s redefining what it means to be a modern artist.

Congratulations on an extraordinary 20-year career with Boston Ballet. What emotions were running through you during your farewell performance?

It was deeply emotional and reflective. My parents—Vietnamese refugees—saw me perform professionally for the very first time. The moment felt like a full-circle gift. I was filled with gratitude and awe, realizing just how far I’d come.

You’ve said this journey was one you never dreamed possible as the son of Vietnamese refugee parents—how did those early experiences shape the artist you became?

Coming from an underserved background made me both grateful and driven. Scholarships and nonprofit support were essential. I always felt the weight and importance of representing people like me—those who aren’t typically seen in elite ballet spaces.

Looking back, what do you feel most proud of when you think about your time with Boston Ballet?

The relationships, the representation, and the risk-taking. As a gay Asian American male in ballet, I feel proud of carving space for authenticity and creating visibility.

Can you take us back to the moment you fell in love with dance?

It was a feeling—a visceral, soul-level connection. I didn’t have the vocabulary for it then, but it made me feel seen, safe, and expressive in a way nothing else ever had.

Princess Grace Foundation-USA

What did receiving the Princess Grace Award mean to you, both professionally and personally?

It was a game-changer. The award validated my identity as an artist and gave me recognition at a national level. It opened doors, and 20 years later, people still note it with admiration.

Do you remember how you first heard you’d been selected?

Yes—it was surreal. I didn’t believe it at first. I kept rereading the letter.

How has the Foundation supported or influenced your artistic path since winning the award?

It has felt like an ongoing love letter. Not just an award, but an embrace. They’ve continued to check in, support, and amplify my voice. That kind of long-term belief is rare.

The legacy of Princess Grace is deeply rooted in both elegance and strength—how do you relate to her spirit in your own work?

She defied expectations with grace and left a legacy that championed young artists. That’s exactly what I hope to do through my new company, LamDanceWorks.

Artistry & Expression

Dance is such a physical art form—how do you maintain emotional and creative energy across demanding seasons?

Through connection. I stay rooted in my “why,” prioritize well-being, and now share that energy with my students, who inspire me daily.

Is there a role or performance that felt like a turning point in your career?

Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. It mirrored my own life—complex, full of struggle and redemption. The audience’s reaction felt transcendent.

You’ve also ventured into choreography and filmmaking—how do those creative outlets differ from performing, and what do they unlock for you?

They allow me to step back and see the bigger picture. I love collaboration and narrative. Creating something from nothing is a thrill I can’t describe.

John Liam

Monaco & Meaning

Have you had the chance to visit Monaco or connect with the cultural world there through the Foundation?

Not yet—but I dream of performing there. Maybe one day LamDanceWorks will grace a Monaco stage, perhaps even at the iconic Rose Ball.

If you could perform in any iconic venue in Monaco, where would it be—and what would the program look like?

Something intimate and powerful. A solo I’ve commissioned for myself is a good start. I’d love to spotlight emerging artists and create a cross-cultural, genre-bending experience.

Grace Kelly once said, “The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairy tale.” What does that sentiment mean to you as an artist who also defies conventions?

That quote resonates. My life—as a son of refugees, now a professor, dancer, and founder—is a modern fairy tale. It’s filled with challenges, beauty, and moments of magic.

Looking Ahead

How do you plan to translate your stage experience into the classroom, as the Associate Professor of Dance, at Boston Conservatory at Berklee?                                                        

I teach the student in front of me. I honor their individual paths while insisting on hard work and commitment. Success, to me, is when they find their voice and agency.

What projects or performances are you most excited about in the coming year?

Launching LamDanceWorks is the project closest to my heart right now. Our debut performance will take place on November 15th at the Robert J. Orchard Stage at the Paramount Center in Boston. This one-night gala will officially kickstart the company, introduce our artistic vision, and celebrate my 20-year journey in dance. It will also serve as a fundraiser to support our mission of making dance accessible to all.

The night before, on November 14, we’re holding a free performance dedicated to our community partners—an evening that centers the power of live performance and honors those who will help us extend our reach to underserved audiences. That day will also include a student engagement session and a conversation with me as Founder and Artistic Director, offering a deeper look into the company’s mission and the work ahead.

Signing up for the newsletter at lamdanceworks.org will notify interested parties when tickets go on sale in August.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of dance—and what advice would you give young dancers just starting out?

Legacy: Equity, artistry, and a widened definition of what dance and dancers can look like.
Advice: Always consider your “why.” Stay focused. Consider the source of criticism, and never forget that someone before you paved the way. Now it’s your turn to carry the torch and pass on the light.

Follow John Lam on Instagram and LamDanceWorks.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photos provided

Coya warns clients of online scam targeting restaurant bookings in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025

Coya Monte-Carlo, the popular Latin American restaurant in Monaco and part of the Monte-Carlo SBM group, has issued a public warning after becoming the latest target of an increasingly sophisticated phishing scam in the Principality.

Coya Monaco has confirmed that a phishing scam is currently targeting both the restaurant and its clients, with fraudulent actors posing as representatives of the venue via fake websites, phone calls, and emails. These scams have been designed to mislead potential guests into making false bookings or sharing payment information through illegitimate platforms.

In a statement issued to customers, Coya said: “We’ve been made aware of fraudulent activity impersonating COYA – including fake websites, phone calls, and emails – attempting to mislead guests with false booking systems and payment requests.”

The restaurant has urged clients to use only the official Coya Monaco reservation channels and to report any suspicious communications directly to their team. “We’ve taken immediate action and are closely monitoring the situation to protect our guests,” the statement continued. “Thank you for your vigilance and continued support.”

Part of growing trend of digital scams in Monaco

Coya is the latest in a growing list of local businesses to be targeted by increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts in Monaco, where the combination of high-profile visitors and luxury services has created fertile ground for digital fraud.

Cybersecurity experts warn that scammers are now using more convincing digital tactics, including cloning official websites, spoofing local phone numbers, and replicating professional emails to deceive even cautious clients.

The Principality’s authorities have frequently reminded residents and visitors to be wary of unsolicited communication requesting personal or financial information, and to verify any unusual contact with the organisation directly.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo by Monaco Life

Monaco’s Ever forum to celebrate 20 years with focus on future technologies

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/09/2025

Monaco’s premier sustainable mobility and renewable energy event is marking two decades this October with a shift towards cutting-edge technology and start-up companies.

The 20th edition of Ever Monaco will take place from October 15th to 16th at One Monte-Carlo, featuring a new format that prioritises future-facing conferences and a start-up competition worth €20,000 in prizes.

“At 20 years, we are becoming adults,” said SĂ©bastien Lubert, President of Ever Monaco, during a press conference on Tuesday morning. “We have the foundations, but now we must put them into practice and continue learning everyday.”

The event has evolved significantly from its origins. In previous years, it used to showcase prototype electric vehicles. However, today’s market reality, where sustainable transport options are commercially available everywhere, has pushed organisers to focus on innovation rather than traditional exhibitions.

“For the past 20 years, Ever featured prototypes and vehicles that didn’t exist,” explained Ariane Favaloro, the event’s General Commissioner, speaking to Monaco Life. “Now we see cars that you can find in dealerships. People don’t need to come to Ever to try cars that are sold at dealers. Our goal is to show innovation.”

Ever Monaco during this year’s presentation. From left to right: Alain Gaggero, Virginie Cotta, Laurence Garnatini and Ariane Favaloro. Photo by Monaco Life.

Start-up competition to take the spotlight

The forum’s headline feature is a start-up competition showcasing 15 selected companies working on green technologies. The competition offers an €8,000 first prize as part of a total prize pool of €20,000, alongside legal advice and business support.

Selected start-ups are developing technologies including systems to transform CO2 into valuable molecules, mobile solar power stations installed on railway lines, high-performance electric boats with foils, and electric skis for sustainable winter sports. The judging panel compromises eight members from Monaco’s business community.

Three key conferences are also set to take place to address questions about energy and mobility’s future. The first, ‘When luxury meets CSR,’ represents a partnership with Monte-Carlo SBM exploring how corporate social responsibility is transforming the luxury sector. Virginie Cotta, Secretary General of Monte-Carlo SBM, will participate in this discussion.

The second conference, ‘What energy and vehicles for the coming decades?’, will examine future mobility solutions and renewable energy developments, concluding with remarks from Prince Albert II on Wednesday from 2:15pm to 3:15pm.

The third conference offers a retrospective titled ’20 years of mobility in Monaco,’ featuring key industry figures reviewing the principality’s achievements in sustainable transport.

Traditional roundtable discussions will also take place under the theme ‘Electromobility and renewable energy supporting climate and society’. These sessions brings together academic experts, local authorities, and industry leaders to share experiences.

SMEG to showcase energy chain evolution

SMEG will demonstrate its expanding role across the entire energy spectrum. Laurence Garnatini from SMEG highlighted the company’s evolution to encompass renewable energy, urban heating systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We are one of the rare operators in the world present in the entire energy chain,” she notes, highlighting SMEG’S charging network which now operates 2,300 charging points in Monaco and 2,600 across France.

The event has also welcomed a partnership with the Rally AĂŻcha des Gazelles, specifically through their E-Gazelles category featuring electric competition vehicles. Meanwhile, it continues to enjoy support from the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco, SMEG, and the Monaco government.

Lastly, supporting the forum’s innovation is the Riviera Electric Challenge, co-organised with the city of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Alain Gaggero, deputy mayor of the city, explained that this 11th edition brings together around twenty electric vehicles from local authorities and companies over two days, with the prize-giving ceremony taking place at the Place du Palais on October 10th.

Despite the format evolution towards a more business focused event, organisers maintain their commitment to public engagement. “It’s open to the public. They participate, they come to listen,” Favaloro confirmed, nothing that audience questions during conferences are actively encouraged.

The event runs with free admission from 9:30am to 6pm on October 15th and 9:30am to 5pm on October 16th.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo provided.

 

Monaco makes history: Inside the Principality’s newest women’s football team

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/09/2025

Monaco United Women’s Football Club is writing a new chapter in Monaco’s sporting history. Led by former AC Milan striker Marco Simone, this ambitious project represents the first serious attempt in changing the narrative when it comes to women’s football in Monaco. 

For Simone, building Monaco United Women meant starting from a blank canvas. “It’s like taking a paper, a white paper, and writing a new history, because for me it’s my first experience in women’s football,” he told Monaco Life.

The coach was struck by how quickly women’s football became just… football. “After one or two weeks of training, I didn’t see the women, I just saw the team. I saw a team that plays football.”

Regarding the recruitment, scouting relied heavily on video and tryouts. “I don’t know the championship or the players, so my scouting is 100% video,” Simone explained. While technical and physical abilities are easy to judge on film, however, understanding mentally is harder. “For me, attitude and psychology is everything.” Simone added, saying the team is equipped with both characteristics.

The squad is a careful mix of youth and experience, from 15-year-olds taking their first steps in competitive football to seasoned players who have competed in France’s top divisions. Players from different backgrounds quickly developed chemistry. “Everyone tries to talk to each other, and help each other; we share the same objective,” says captain Houleye Deme.

At the heart of the team is Marina Makanza, a former French International who scored Monaco United’s first-ever goal. Alongside her, Deme’s leadership has been crucial in shaping team unity. “We have good vibes, and a great feeling on the pitch,” Makanza says.

Reality Check

While Monaco United is making history, Deme is candid about the challenges facing women’s football. “Women’s sports are already complicated. So is women’s soccer,” she says. Structural and cultural barriers remain significant, and the team must overcome these to succeed.

“It’s always going to be complicated since we started later than men,” Deme explains. “The men had plenty of time to develop, and now we are just trying to catch up. But I have hope that it’s going to be alright.”.

She also highlighted the importance of perseverance and visibility. “As long as we keep trying to improve, show people that we can play, enjoy the game, and offer what men can on the field, it’s good enough. We just need to keep proving ourselves.”

Meanwhile, she sees the project as inspiration for young girls. “This is proof that opportunities exist, and that with dedication, women can reach the same level of professionalism as men. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”

Monaco United’s immediate goals are straightforward: win matches and earn promotion. Yet Simone’s vision goes further: “I want to win, but to play well, with one philosophy. I want people to see Monaco United and understand our work and philosophy.”

See also: 

Historic Monaco Women’s derby awarded by default after AS Monaco forfeit

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Émilie Malaussena

 

ReOcean Fund marks $73 million closing with Nasdaq tribute in New York

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025

The ReOcean Fund, a Monaco-backed investment vehicle dedicated to accelerating the blue economy, has celebrated a landmark $73 million closing, a milestone highlighted on Nasdaq’s iconic Times Square billboard in New York.

The announcement was made during the Building the Future Summit 2025, part of Climate Week NYC, which convenes global leaders in finance, sustainability, and innovation. Held at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on 22nd September, the summit brings together heads of state, institutional investors, and corporate executives to explore new solutions in energy resilience, nature-based innovation, and sustainable reindustrialisation.

Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the summit, alongside representatives of his foundation including CEO Olivier Wenden.

The milestone lit up Time Square
At the opening of the Nasdaq markets, Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, Founder of the Minderoo Foundation, joined Prince Albert II of Monaco to announce a €5 million investment in the ReOcean Fund, taking the total to $73 million.

Co-sponsored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco Asset Management (MAM), the ReOcean Fund is designed to channel capital into pioneering companies that protect and restore the world’s oceans. Its investment portfolio focuses on sustainable aquaculture, ocean data, pollution reduction, green shipping and yachting, as well as marine ecosystem restoration.

With 22 investors already onboard, the $73 million closing marks a major step towards the fund’s targeted €100 million raise, strengthening its ability to scale businesses driving innovation in the blue economy.

That Monaco’s name was projected across Nasdaq’s Times Square screens — a platform reserved for major financial milestones — reflects both the growing international profile of the ReOcean Fund and the Principality’s reputation as a hub for impact-driven finance.

See also: 

Monaco formally recognises Palestinian state during UN summit

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Uber set to offer Monaco helicopter rides after Joby’s Blade acquisition

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/09/2025

Joby Aviation has announced it will integrate Blade’s air mobility services into the Uber app from 2026, following its acquisition of Blade’s passenger business in August. The move brings Blade’s Monaco and Riviera operations – including the high-traffic Nice-Monaco route – closer to a new, electric future under Joby’s leadership, and marks a major step in Joby and Uber’s long-term urban air mobility partnership.

In August 2025, California-based aviation company Joby completed its acquisition of Blade’s global passenger business, which includes Blade Europe and its scheduled services in New York, Los Angeles, and the South of France. The deal gives Joby immediate access to Blade’s extensive infrastructure and more than a decade of operational experience in short-haul vertical air mobility.

This acquisition also places Joby in control of the air mobility network that Blade has built in the Principality, stemming from its 2022 purchase of Monacair’s commercial passenger operations. That earlier deal made Blade the exclusive provider of scheduled helicopter transfers between Monaco and Nice, a critical corridor for business and leisure travellers in the region.

Blade’s Monacair link strengthens Monaco’s role

Monacair, founded by Stefano Casiraghi and long associated with the Princely Family, became a central part of Blade’s European ambitions when the American company took over its passenger-facing operations in 2022. Blade retained the Monaco branding, but took over responsibility for marketing, booking, and customer experience, while flight operations remained under Monacair’s control.

The addition of Blade’s Monaco routes to the Uber app is expected to simplify how passengers book helicopter transfers in and out of the Principality, particularly for those already using Uber for ground transportation.

Uber app to feature Blade flights in 2026

Joby and Uber confirmed that Blade’s services – including those in the French Riviera – will be available to book via the Uber app from next year. The move is part of a wider strategy to build customer familiarity with air mobility options ahead of the launch of Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in key markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and the UAE.

JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby, said the integration would bring “the magic of seamless urban air travel” to Uber customers around the world, while laying the groundwork for the introduction of quiet, zero-emissions aircraft in the years ahead.

Andrew Macdonald, President and COO of Uber, added that advanced air mobility would “deliver safe, quiet, and sustainable transportation to cities around the world” through the combined scale and expertise of Joby and Blade.

A new chapter for Monaco’s air connections

Monaco’s close proximity to Nice Airport and its status as a hub for luxury and executive travel have made the helicopter link between the two cities one of Europe’s busiest. With the Blade brand now under Joby’s leadership, and bookings soon available via Uber, Monaco’s key air route is once again at the forefront of innovation.

Longer-term, the partnership could lead to the eventual deployment of all-electric air taxis on the route, aligning with the Principality’s environmental goals and commitment to future-focused mobility solutions.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

AI generated photo of Uber helicopter flying over Monaco created by Cassandra Tanti, photo of Monaco by Cassandra TantiÂ