When John Baldacchino was collating the music for Olivia Dow’s forthcoming performance Queen of the Dance, he discovered an Indian number which was so rhythmic that he had to include it. The trouble was the costume! From where could he get a costume to do the number justice and which does not cost an arm and a leg? He was aware that Authentic Indian costumes are extremely expensive to buy. The answer was on the Internet. After months of research, he got hold of a costume which wasn’t too dear, but the biggest hurdle was that it was out of stock. However, as usual, John got what he wanted – a really beautiful costume for 11 beautiful dancers. This group will be responsible for the opening of the show with two spectacular routines. The first one will feature one of four original computer animated compositions entitled Heavy Light by Wayne Lytle choreographed by Olivia Dow and the second one to the Indian Hip Hop à la classique by Punjabi MC choreographed by Svitlana Sivac Spiteri.

Queen of the Dance consists of nearly two hours of dance routines to music ranging from Classical to Hip Hop. Over 112 performers, all students of the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet will take part in what John called “a unique and spectacular showcase of Maltese Talent at its best!” The show is being staged at Sir Temi Zammit Theatre, (fully air-conditioned) Tal-Qroqq on Sunday 6 August, at 7.30 pm. The stage decor, this year, is a grand mystical arrangement by Charles Axisa with special effects by John Baldacchino, lighting by ITC, sound by Wave Enterprises, Infocus projected images by Showmix and filming is in the capable hands of Marjo Parascandalo and his crew. A brand new Harlequin ballet carpet has been flown in from Luxemburg especially for this occasion which Olivia promises to be at least as unforgettable as the previous ones, possibly more colourful and spectacular due to the fabulous costumes John managed to secure. This is Olivia Dow’s 13th annual performance which will also be shown on television on Christmas Day so that every child in Malta and Gozo may enjoy the many forms of dance which are being taught by Olivia Dow in Malta today. There is a Special Offer for children: Children between the ages of 3 and 11, who attend the performance Queen of the Dance will be entitled to two free ballet classes in September at Olivia Dow’s School without any obligations. Tickets may be purchased from Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet, Naxxar by phoning 21 422 592 or 9947 4127 for details.