Estudio de Danza, better known as the former Spanish Dance sector of the Deborah McNamara School of Dance, has for the past three years, specialised in Spanish Dance and Flamenco, since opening its new studio. Deborah McNamara introduced Spanish Dance on the Island, 30 years ago at the Tanya Bayona Poutatine Academy of Ballet and today is a senior international Spanish Dance Society examiner, touring worldwide, including Spain.
For the past three years, students have participated in performances by the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire as Estudio de Danza has a strong ties with the school, as it holds some of its classes on the premises and has several attendees from the JCDC itself.
This time however, Estudio de Danza, will present its own school show entirely dedicated to Spanish Dance and Flamenco. Students from the age of 8, right up to adults, will dance several genres of Spanish Dance. Children will dance to Bizet's Carmen Suite in Danza Estilizada and teens will perform Nuevo Flamenco to modern composers. The adult beginners group will delight us with their interpretation of Ben Amor. There will also be guest dancers from Russia, Italy and Malta participating in Paso a Paso. The contributing choreographers are Deborah McNamara, Roxana Dimech, Miguel Espino and Laura Segovia.
A special stage is being erected in the intimate theatre Blue Box, perfect for the acoustics of castanets and footwork. Special guest of honour Sherrill Wexler, European executive of the Spanish Dance Society, will adjudicate the Artistico award. This award is given to the best performer and offers a full year free tuition by Estudio de Danza. Estudio de Danza, will also sponsor a second bursary to the Sharon Sapienza Foundation course, adjudicated by a member of the SSF committee. Paso a Paso will take place on the 8th December at 6pm.
Following the school performance, Compañia Danza together with local and international guest dancers will perform their new production Inicio at 8pm. Tickets for both shows may be booked online at www.bluebox.com.mt or from the Box Office itself.
The Spanish Dance Society, will be holding its Winter Seminar, between the 9th and 11th December, at Estudio de Danza with Ángel Muñoz and Charo Espino. Studio space has been kindly sponsored by Ms Johane Casabene. The Spanish Dance Society offers the Sharon Sapienza SDS bursary to a Maltese candidate and Estudio de Danza is delighted that one of their students, Elisa Cassar is the recipient to attend the 2016 International seminar. Students and teachers from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia and Malta will come together to have a wonderful and unique learning experience in a friendly environment with two Spanish stars. There are a few places available at beginners level. Kindly send email to the local representative of the SDS at [email protected] for more information.