Johane Casabene is a teacher of dance and a mother of two boys – Jan and Adam. She graduated in Italy with an MA in Dance and related subjects and is a tutor and licenciate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

At the age of just 17 Johane applied for a scholarship and headed for Italy, where she stayed for three years. She read for an MA from the Libera Universitá di Danza e Teatro in Mantua, Italy. There she also toured and performed with the Balletto Regionale di Mantova in various theatres, in Italy, Germany and France. She also had the pleasure of working with various ballet masters like Paul Maiourescou (Rumania), Jorge Esquivel (primo ballerino, Opera de Cuba, now at New York City Ballet), Suzanna Egri, Steve La Chance and others.

Johane has recently realised her dream and set up The Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire which will provide full-time training for young dancers at a very heavily subsidised fee and under the tuition of the best local and foreign teachers. Admission will be by audition, and it is open to students between nine and 20. She is busy preparing for her next spectacle The Four Seasons at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on 18 July.

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

33 years old. I was born on 1 October 1973. I am a Libra.

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

Still working on dance and seeing Maltese professional dancers working locally within a local private or national dance company – being respected for their profession and able to earn a living from it. And seeing boys turn into men.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having a job you enjoy doing and going home after a hard day’s work to your loved ones.

What is your favourite occupation?

That of Ballet teacher.

What is your greatest fear?

Growing old and dependent on others.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Honesty and trust.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Going back in time and watching Ballet Comique de la Reigne – the first ballet ever recorded and performed in the courts of Catherine de Medici!

What is your greatest regret?

Not accepting a contract as a dancer with a dance company in Italy.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dad’s paintings.

Significant other?

Brian and my two boys.

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

Playing the piano.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing your mental health.

Where would you like to live?

I am happy living in Malta otherwise it would be Paris.

What is your most marked

characteristic?

Being friendly and outspoken – maybe too much sometimes.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My parents.

What is it that you most dislike?

Jealous and spiteful people.

What is your motto?

To do my best each day to pursue my dreams and duties as a mother and teacher.