For six local dancers, a recent audition has awarded them with a goldenopportunity to train and perform with a renowned Italian dance company. They speak to Gisèle Grima.
Dance auditions can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether for a company or theatre performance, auditions challenge dancers to make a great first impression.
Originally intending to choose four, Martellata selected six dancers in the end, further accentuating the sprouting talent that Malta has to offer
Some dancers turn out to be fiercely competitive, others simply view auditions as opportunities to grow. In the leading position is a professional dance instructor who is faced with the hasty task of having to spot those specific qualities which would land a dancer a post.
Relishing the moment are masses of budding young dancers who are competing to stand out among the multitude to ultimately prove themselves worthy of a role.
For six local dancers, a recent audition turned out to be a significant success and has subsequently awarded them with a golden opportunity to train and perform with renowned Italian dance company Compagnia Nazionale Raffaele Paganini.
Dorian Mallia, Audrey Ellul Sullivan, Lynne Salamone-Reynaud, Petra Gosztom, Luisa Attard and Christina Aquilina have equally been offered an invaluable experience to be part of Paganini’s musical dance spectacle An American in Paris.
“It feels so good and is merely an honour to be part of this,” says Salamone-Reynaud, who looks forward to the overall experience.
Needless to say, the training journey will be an inspiring one for all Maltese representatives as they will join the company in Rome for two weeks, working around the clock for this production and pursuing what they love most.
It comes to no surprise hearing that many local dancers are torn between wanting to follow a dream and having to maintain a living. For Attard and Ellul Sullivan, the experience will undoubtedly serve as a dream and will see them letting go of their daily jobs to devote their time to preparation and performance.
“The difference here is that this opportunity will be intensive where the focus is entirely on your training and the course will see us working as full-time professionals for a number of weeks,” claims Mallia.
As the only male dancer among the lot, Mallia exudes a passion for dance and strongly believes that a change in environment is necessary to grow.
It certainly has been the case with Hungarian-born Petra Gosztom who has recently settled in Malta to widen her horizons and create new contacts. While most of the selected dancers have a long list of experience across the borders, 19-year old Aquilina, a first time successful auditionee, is keen to enrich her training and “what better way to enjoy dance in such a city buzzing with culture,” she says.
When asked about the local dance scene, all dancers clearly affirmed that there is a high level of attainment on such a tiny island.
Admitting that many established dancers still seem to fall under the influence of their respective dance schools, Salamone-Reynaud feels that “training abroad is essential and will aid one in cultivating style” an aspect she declares is rather limited here.
Luigi Martellata, maestro di ballettoand choreographer who conducted the auditions, seemingly noticed the amount of talented dancers craving for newpossibilities.
Originally intending to choose four, Martellata selected six dancers, further accentuating the sprouting talent Malta has to offer.
Present among the successful team of dancers was young understudy Nicole Schembri, whose commitment and diligence eventually awarded her with a few days of training in Rome with the rest.
In the dance world, it is extremely uplifting to be given such recognition. But being selected is not the most critical moment.
These dancers will continuously be tested for their hard work and, who knows, the results may offer them further collaboration with the company.
We wish them every success and look forward to watching them perform in May.