Originally from Ferrara and graduating summa cum laude with a thesis on Plato and dance, Monica Casadei, after a competitive career in rhythmic gymnastics, devoted herself to the study of classical and modern dance—first in Italy, then in London, and finally in Paris. There she met choreographers Pierre Doussaint and Isabelle Doubouloz, as well as master André Cognard Hanshi So Shihan, with whom she still practices the martial art of Aikido.
In France she founded Compagnia Artemis Danza, relocating to Italy in 1997 and initiating an intense production activity that to date includes over forty original creations. From 1998 to 2007, the company was artist-in-residence at Fondazione Teatro Due, and since 2014 it has held an artistic residency at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Artemis Danza has been invited to perform in major Italian theatres and festivals, as well as on numerous international tours and festival circuits.

Central to Monica Casadei’s artistic research are cross-pollination with different artistic, cultural, and geographical contexts, alongside the exploration of urban spaces that become stages for performative actions.

Alongside its production activity, Artemis Danza supports, produces, and promotes emerging artists and develops a wide range of audience development and educational initiatives.