Forty dancers from ArtsExcel have travelled to Livorno and Prague to compete in two major dance festivals, receiving multiple awards in both under the artistic direction of Marisha Bonnici.

The dancers, aged eight to 14, showcased dances in classical ballet, modern contemporary, Spanish dance, jazz dance and musical theatre.

Students were awarded prizes for the classical duet and modern sections at the Livorno in Danza festival.

Over 400 dancers from America, India, South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Poland, Hong Kong and Japan competed in the New Prague Festival. Malta was awarded third overall prize in the classical competition and Ms Bonnici was awarded an overall pedagogy award.

Students were also given classes with international teachers at the Conservatoire in Prague.

During the year the students were able to participate in workshops with Gillian Hurst, senior examiner in Cecchetti and Spanish, and Tracy Baxter, international choreographer, as well as performing Dance in Stone at Teatru Rjal.

Bonnici feels that these experiences are of great importance to the students and aims to provide the necessary tools to equip them for further projects.

For more information with regard to the summer 2015 programme or the new scholastic year, e-mail artsexcelinfo@gmail.com.