Michaela Debono, 13 years old, has just returned from the UK where she attended a 2 week residential Performance Course organised by the Royal Academy of Dance, London. Attending this course were 74 sudents from 20 different countries ranging from 13 to 19 years of age. Michaela, one of the youngest attending, was selected by the tutors and presented with an International Award – Tuition Award – by the Artistic Director of the RAD, Lynn Wallis, for her out standing improvement and performance throughout. This award entitles her to attend an RAD international Summer School of her choice, anywhere in the world.
The performance course is designed to give the students an understanding of the slow creative process of how performances are created and developed, as well as, encouraging them to blossom into better dance perfromers; artisically and technically. During the 2 weeks all the students studied classical ballet, jazz and contemporary dance. The distinguished faculty consisted of Liane McRae and Rachel Hunt who were responsible for the classical section, Jessica Williams gave the workshops in contemporary and Rebecca Allen taught the Jazz classes. They worked hard to create a vibrant programe for the 2 performances held in the Genee Studio of the RAD. Michaela’s group performed, the Garland dance from the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ for the classical number; ‘Big in Japan’ was the Contemporary number and ‘U can’t touch this’ was the jazz number.
Michaela started her dance training at Dance Academy, under the tutorship of Ingrid Desira Buttigieg, at the tender age of 3. Her talent was perceived instantly. Since then she has obtained a distinction in all of her exmainations. She is currently studying classical ballet, modern jazz, Spanish and contemporary at Dance Academy. Her versitality in her dance training is an important characteristic in her development as a dancer and will enable her to fulfil her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
This is the second time that a student from Dance Academy has been awarded this prestigious award from the RAD artistic director Lynn Wallis.