Moscow Ballet prima ballerina to give summer classes in Malta

Maltese dance students will have the rare opportunity of taking classes with a prima ballerina from the Moscow Ballet State Theatre this summer.

Prima ballerina Elisabeth Nebesnaya will be in Malta in August as a guest artist of the Central Academy of Ballet. Together with Justin Roy Barker, co-director of the College of Jazz Dance, she will be a guest artist at the International Summer School organised by the Academy between August 24 and 29.

Three courses will be offered: Course A (for grades 3, 4 and 5) will include morning classes in jazz and classical ballet; Courses B (for Intermediate to Advanced I) and C (Advanced II) will include sessions in classical ballet, repertoire and contemporary/jazz, with lessons for Course B concentrated in the morning while classes for Course C will be held in the afternoon/evening. Fees are Lm40 for Course A and Lm70 each for Courses B and C.

The Central Academy of Ballet aims to provide intensive all-round training specialising in classical ballet, enhanced by a variety of other dance disciplines. Dance syllabi taught at the Academy are accredited to international societies and students are examined annually by visiting examiners.

Guest instructors, examiners and artists from the international dance community are invited to give specialised courses during the year.

Elisabeth Nebesnaya holds a first-class degree from the Russian Arts Academy specialising in teaching choreography. She is a Distinguished Artist of Russia, laureate of international competitions, and holder of the prize for preserving classical traditions in choreography.

Having a creative personality, scenic appearance, musicality, artistic spirit and exceptional technique, as prima ballerina of the Moscow Ballet State Theatre, Ms Nebesnaya has played leading parts in classical and contemporary ballets.

Justin Roy Barker is a resident guest choreographer of the YADA Dance Company. He trained at the London Studio Centre in the UK between 1986 and 1989 and in 1992 was awarded a scholarship at the Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg, Russia.

As guest choreographer of YADA, his credits are several, including Dance Spectacular, Moulin Rouge and Christus (in which he played the title role). He is also an honorary member of the Dance Council of Malta.

Students interested in participating in the International Summer School can call the Central Academy of Ballet on 2144-1631, 7906-8682 or 9943-2604. Applications, with a Lm15 deposit, must be received by July 31.