Dance extravaganza in Valletta

Republic Street in Valletta looked as if it was carpeted in white yesterday as over 600 students from various dance academies paraded through the street to celebrate the International World Day of Dance.

The parade also gave a start to a 13-hour dance marathon organised for the second consecutive year by the Malta Dance Council, in aid of Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

Freedom Square was buzzing with energy as hundreds of students of all ages and sizes, from 20 different dance schools, pirouetted and jazzed to the music. All the dancers were dressed in white as a sign of unity and peace.

The marathon which started at 10 a.m. and ended at 10.30 p.m., was opened by Valletta council mayor Paul Borg Olivier. The event was held in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and the council.

In between helping the tiny tots improve their twirl, council president Tanya Bayona said that last year they had successfully managed to collect Lm4,000 in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Group.

"We intend to make this marathon an annual event. Last year the council unanimously decided to bring dance to the streets of Valletta," Ms Bayona said.

Asked about the culture of dance in Malta, Ms Bayona said it had developed immensely over the years and both teacher and student had adopted a professional attitude to this discipline.

"Dance is such a wonderful way of developing an individual`s character. Dance provides the philosophy of harmony and discipline and it`s a way to refine one`s life," she said.

Ms Bayona said that sadly a lot of young dancers got disheartened because of the lack of opportunities.

"I wish there was a better network between the government and private enterprises for more opportunities to be created abroad for these enthusiastic students," she said.

"Maybe there could also be more co-operation in organising international events and festivals, where young people can rub shoulders with those on the international scene and share different experiences," she continued.

Ms Bayona, who was last year elected as a councillor on the International Dance Committee, which is affiliated to UNESCO, believes that Malta now has a voice on the international front.

"Malta is being highly commended abroad. What we need now is more government recognition and funding from any source," Ms Bayona said.

Meanwhile, the marathon continued in earnest throughout the day with a constant flow of dance lessons, ranging from jazz to classical ballet to contemporary.

This year`s classes were given by some of Malta`s top teachers and choreographers, including Claire Cassola, Monique Pellegrini Petit, Pippa Roberts, Tanya Bayona, Felix Busuttil, Jess Sciberras, Nina Winter, Emma Loftus, Maryjane Bellia and Alison White.

Sharon Sapienza also visited Malta for the occasion and gave a flamenco class during the marathon.

This event will culminate tonight with "Valletta Dances", an open air performance at the ruins of the Old Royal Opera House at 8.30 p.m.