Francesca trained in Malta at the Tanya Bayona Princess Poutiatine Academy and the London Contemporary Dance School in UK. She has been teaching since 1987 training and preparing dancers for many performances, festivals and choreographic platforms.
She is the holder of First Prize for the choreographic group awards in Malta for Contemporary Dance. She was resident choreographer for the Tanya Bayona Dance Theatre Company for 10 years and has taught internationally at many dance festivals.
In 1999 Francesca founded the Contact Dance Company as artistic director developing her ideas by using sources outside mainstream dance traditions. Her works have been performed in high profile international theatres throughout Europe. Her strong individual choreographic voice in contemporary dance has led to critic reviews branding her as a choreographer ready to embrace diversity and challenges. She has been influential in the development of contemporary dance in Malta. She presently teaches at the Dance Workshop and the Deborah McNamara School of Dance (www.contactdancecompany.com / [email protected])
Contact Dance Company is dedicated to innovative performances. Over recent years Francesca has developed a unique style of theatre dance that is visually and theatrically eclectic. Contact Dance Company will be performing a triple bill by three choreographers at the Valletta Waterfront on 26 and 27 July forming part of the summer arts festival – Festival Malta 2005 – organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, with a flavour of two UK guest artists, Michael Joseph and Garry Benjamin.
How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?
42 years old, star sign Virgo, 27 August 1962.
Significant other? Children?
Alexander Tranter, and two children Jack 11 and Emma nine years. I won’t say how old Alex is because you might call me a cradle snatcher, oh yes and my four cats, one has three legs! We call him Lucky!
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Let’s see, I would like to stay in Hawaii relaxing and observing at a distance where dance will go to in the next generation.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being idyllic spending time with my family, watching a movie together (a rare event) indulging in chocolates and standing on the weighing scales next day and it reads 00 kilos!
What is your favourite occupation?
The exhilarating feeling of finishing a new dance project, touring with my dance company, walking into a new theatre.
What is your greatest fear?
Cockroaches and their cousins!
What is it that you most value in your friends?
Their acceptance of my faults especially my unintentional tardiness, always arriving fashionably late as they say… that’s my cue.
How would you like to die?
I wouldn’t, but if I have to, in the safest place I know – my hubbies arms.
What is your greatest regret?
I would have liked more time to have more children.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I love eccentric clothes, they’re mad, but they feel great on.
What is your most treasured possession?
Besides my children, no real earthly possessions, except for a dance space like a big white canvas.
Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?
To play the piano and write music.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Illness, poverty, being homeless, unloved, when I lost my dad, and why am I being asked this question; it’s too sad!
Where would you like to live?
I would like to uproot the entire island like superman and place it in the middle of France, Italy or England where there is perhaps more opportunity in the performing arts professionally.
What is your most marked
characteristic?
Probably my temper, but I hope people will remember me for my genuine enthusiasm for my love for the arts and life and of course wine!
Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?
For those who endure suffering and pain on a daily basis.
What is it that you most dislike?
Insincerity, political agendas and cold soup… yuk!
What is your motto?
Be the best that you can and be delighted with that, it’s enough already!