Seed Dance Studios, which is run by artistic director Marisha Bonnici, is currently celebrating another amazing performance at Livorno in Danza in Italy - an annual competition which this year saw the participation of over 700 dance students from all over the world. Seed's entourage, which was made up of 25 dancers aged between eight and 16, beat out competition and managed to place First three times, Second four times, and Third once.

"Maltese children are as talented as those of any other foreign nation, but we need to give them opportunities internationally to help them succeed in any area they wish to," says Ms Bonnici. "It's for that reason that, when we're looking for competitions abroad, we first look at who will be judging them, as that helps us give the children the best possible opportunities that go beyond the competitions."

Among the many prizes collected by Seed's students, there was a full three-week scholarship at Peridance New York, a scholarship to Livorno 2019, a group scholarship to AreaDanza Summer School, and various scholarships and invitations to DAF Roma, which is run by the world-famous, European choreographer Mauro Astolfi.

Moreover, 10-year-old Lea Ellul Sullivan, who last year became Malta's first-ever dancer to take part in the finals of the Young American Grand Prix (YAGP) in New York - the world's most prestigious dance competition - won the 'Stella di Domani' Award (the over-all award) in Livorno, and was granted a full, two-year scholarship at DAF Roma by Mr Astolfi himself, which she may redeem when older.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students; they have worked so hard for this," continues Ms Bonnici. "Having them place in the Top Three when there are dancers from as far afield as Russia, France, Greece and Japan, is amazing. But this is also great for their future development and will help them to create contacts with some of the most influential people in the international dance world too."

These connections have already proven to be useful, with Ms July Wherlock from Ballettschule Theatre Basel conducting masterclasses at Seed on a yearly basis. Furthermore, this year, two of Ms Bonnici's choreographies have been selected to be used in a workshop for children by Ms Astolfi.

This success for Seed Dance Studios comes as Ms Bonnici prepares Lea to take part in the YAGP finals in New York for the second year in a row.