When, after years of training, a ballet pupil who started lessons at the tender age of five at Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet, ends up getting a permanent job as a teacher alongside her renowned coach, it is already a great achievement. But how much more of an achievement is it when that same pupil also ends up being featured prominently in two unique performances, namely, Queen of the Dance – 2006, and the live tourist attraction - 1565 The Great Siege of Malta (produced by Salvu Mallia) which is being presented at the Waterfront?

Double congratulations are due to Martina Zammit seen on the left just after she graduated at the beginning of November. Apart from this, Martina has also managed to continue her University studies as an Archaeology/English Literature student full time. How is that for triple time management?

This year, three seniors graduated as junior teachers from the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet namely Martina Zammit, Althea Corlett and Jessica Farrugia. Jessica is now also teaching at Olivia Dow`s in Naxxar alongside Martina Zammit.

Jessica is extremely lucky because she is also following a secretarial course just around the corner from Olivia Dow School – at the Naxxar Higher Technical College.

MEanwhile, the third graduate Althea Corlett has gone abroad to follow in her sister’s footsteps (you will remember that her older sister Marama Corlett is at Urdang Academy on a full three year scholarship) and we will undoubtedly be hearing from her from time to time about her progress. She intends to gain abundant dance experience before she pursues her teaching career. It is good to have options.

Olivia and I are delighted to have come such a long way from humble beginnings and will continue to keep our heads together and listen to our hearts and souls as to what can be best achieved for our pupils.

We are always here for them no matter what. Our pupils will always be our concern no matter where they are, no matter what they do. Our mission is not only to produce great Maltese ballerinas but also respectable Maltese citizens of the future. I think, thank God, that we are succeeding and I am not the only one saying so.

For more information about the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet contact Olivia Dow on 9947 4127 or visit our website www.oliviadow.com