The Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire will be introducing Spanish Dance and Flamenco to itscurriculum.

These classes will be under the tutelage of Deborah McNamara who holds her Licentiate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of dancing, Prof de Baile Diploma, and is also an international examiner for the Spanish Dance Society.

McNamara has been the recipient of several awards from the Spanish Dance Society, having introduced the art to Malta in 1984 and is responsible for training many local dancers and teachers, in both ballet and Spanish dance.

McNamara was also the local organiser and representative for the SDS for many years before her appointment as examiner.

McNamara studied Spanish dance at Elmhurst school for dance. Over the years she furthered her studies with many distinguished flamenco and Spanish Theatre Dance masters in the UK, Spain and in Malta.

The Johane Casabene Conservatoire will follow the Spanish Dance Society syllabus, which falls under the umbrella of Trinity Board London and is a fully validated member of the Dance Council for Education and Training (CDET).

This methodical syllabus imparts the richness and variety of Spanish dance in all its forms, Flamenco, Estilizada (Spanish Theatre Dance), Escuela Bolera (School of Classical Spanish Dance) and Regional.

The society’s method is used worldwide, including Spain, in universities, professional danceinstitutions or private dance studios. The society has many distinguished patrons. Jose Antonio, the director of the National Ballet of Spain, is the latest to lend his name.

Spanish Dance helps dancers develop a strong sense of artistry and performance skills as well as an instinctive sense of musicality, rhythm and coordination.

Registrations for students wishing to follow classes at the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire are open. The school prides itself of an extensive dance programme which includes classical ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, drama and singing and will now also be holding classes for all levels from beginners (from six years old) to Advanced levels and Teachers Certification in Spanish Dance.

For more information, contact administration at the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire at www.casabene.com or for more information on the Spanish Dance Society, visit www.spanishdancesociety.org.