In 1997 she received a scholarship to study for a Masters degree in Environment Design at the University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia.

There she continued to dance and received flamenco classes from Antonio Vargas (Strictly Ballroom) who encouraged her to further her studies. A year later she was performing as a lead dancer in Katia Ruiz Flamenco Company dancing in Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo. She then joined Los Flamencos and performed in the Tablao La Campana for two years. After finishing her studies and graduating in September 2000 she moved to Seville where she currently resides together with her husband Andrej Vujicic. There she studied under renowned dancers and choreographers including Manolo Marin, Matilde Coral, Carmelilla Montoya, Manuel Betanzos and Pilar Ortega.

Now Francesca works as a professional flamenco dancer and teacher in Seville and has performed with renowned artists.

She performed for six months in one of the famous Flamenco tablaos in Seville, Las Brujas. She has also performed in various tablaos and peñas. For the past three years she has collaborated as a co-producer, lead dancer and percussionist in Malta’s annual event Etnikafé. Francesca shall be performing in Puerto Flamenco at The Carafa Stores next weekend, 19 and 20 June (see left for details).

The four have spent years working together in theatres and prestigious festivals in Spain and Europe. Out of love and friendship, a deeper musical understanding developed and the years of artistic collaboration result in the magic of intuitive communication on stage. Flamenco is best shared in intimate settings: up-close and personal.

For the first time in Malta, in the surroundings of the enchanting port of Birgu, the four artists get together: voice, guitar, dance and percussion.

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

I am 30 and a Leo born on 24 July, 1973.

n Significant other?

My better half Andrej, my husband, my business partner, my percussionist, my path-finder, my best friend!

n Children?

Not yet.

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

I have no idea.

n What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being at peace with myself and with everyone around me.

n What is your favourite occupation?

What I do: dance.

n What is your greatest fear?

Death, especially losing my parents whom I love dearly.

n What is it that you most value in your friends?

That they keep their word.

n How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

n What is your greatest extravagance?

At the moment our Sony Laptop.

n What is your greatest regret?

Don’t have one.

n What is your most treasured possession?

An evil eye that my father gave me.

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

Singing.

n What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Hunger.

n Where would you like to live?

In Valletta or Birgu.

n What is your most marked characteristic?

Positivity.

n Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My nanna.

n What is it that you most dislike?

George Bush.

n What is your motto?

Mhux once you live!!