Eldrige Curmi was born and bred in a family of musicians, composers, actors and dancers and started dancing when he was just five years old. He began participating in international folk festivals when he was eight years old.

By the time he was 10 years old, he was already playing the accordion and taking examinations in Ballroom and Latin American dancing. Paul Curmi, his late grandfather guided him throughout his young years and in 1998 even allowed him to take over the organisation of a folk festival in Belgium when Eldridge was only 15 years of age.

After the success of that experience, Eldridge took up many more responsibilities until he eventually began leading the group, composing new music and choreography of his own.

To this day Eldridge prepares his Maltese folk group to participate in many festivals and shows both locally and abroad. The group recently returned from Liverpool and Venice where it represented Malta. The Paul Curmi dancers also represented Malta in Berlin in the festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the European Union.

It was in fact these international folk festivals that inspired him to start working on a new project. The colourful costumes and traditions of the Latin countries ignited his imagination. So he started working on setting up Latino e’ Ole, a group of dancers and singers whose shows contain elements of the fiery Spanish and Latin American cultures.

He does his best to maintain very high standards and conducts regular rehearsals for both groups while he himself still trains in Spanish dance, Jazz and Ballet techniques under the direction of various teachers.

In the forthcoming show Follow Spot 2 which is taking place at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta on 23 June he will not only be producing and

choreographing but will also dance in nine numbers.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I am 34 years old, 35 next 29 September. My star sign is Libra.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Participating in musicals abroad in both the

production and dance aspects.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being in love.

What is your favourite occupation?

Producing shows. Although it is very hectic and time consuming I believe it is my forte and I thrive in this type of occupation.

Significant other?

No one as yet. I am a bachelor at heart.

What is your greatest fear?

Being terminally ill.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Honesty. I thank God that I am surrounded by two dear and close friends Fleur and Stefan who are examples of honesty and integrity.

How would you like to die?

I would like to leave my mortal life during my sleep.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Buying works of art. I also managed to buy a copy of Degas’ La classe de danse which is a favourite.

What is your greatest regret?

I cannot think of any at the moment.

What is your most treasured possession?

A Gucci watch which belonged to my late mum Doris.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I would love to sing and play the piano.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of

misery?

Losing a treasured person. I will never forget

31 August 2001 when my mother passed away in my arms. I was so low I could see no hope for the future.

Where would you like to live?

I love Malta and I am deeply in love with Sliema. I cannot imagine myself living elsewhere, maybe, maybe, maybe the alternative could be Madrid.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Everyone I know comments on my kind-heartedness.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My late mother Doris Curmi and my grandfather Paul Curmi.

What is it that you most dislike?

Cruelty in all its forms, being on humans, animals, nature…

What is your motto?

La Vita è bella.