'Unique' Malta feature impresses UK dance teacher

Dancing can be a great social asset, Frances Dawson, president of the UK National Association of Teachers of Dancing, said during a visit to Malta.

Fitness, flexibility, coordination, courtesy, teamwork, discipline and health are some of the benefits of dancing.

Mrs Dawson was here to examine about 100 pupils from the Msida Dance Centre in Latin, ballroom and freestyle dancing. She also attended an evening of dancing by pupils aged between five and 60.

"Mrs Dawson was delighted not only with the high standard of dancing but also by something which is fairly unique to Malta - tiny tots, teenagers and parents having great fun together," MDC principal Stephen Kidd said.

Mrs Dawson was impressed by a young teacher at the dance centre, Priscilla Muscat, who passed her professional dance teachers examination in Latin American dance with flying colours.

Ms Muscat was one of the first students when the dance centre opened nine years ago. Dancing with her brother Andrew, she has been successful in medal and open dance competitions before going on to study dance professionally.

Mr Kidd pointed out that an increasing number of boys were taking up dancesport, which till recently was considered as a 'no go sport' for boys.

Dancing requires a high level of fitness and stamina and is being made even more popular by such internationally acclaimed singers as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Shakira.