As the Malta Arts Festival (MAF) kicks off this week, one of the most eagerly-awaited performances is set to be If At All, a contemporary dance performance by the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (KCDC).

One of the leading dance companies in the world, KCDC is widely identified with the work of artistic director Rami Be’er whose unique choreographic character has become the company’s trademark both in Israel and abroad.

The original dance piece is a moving theatrical event that is performed in figurative and abstract circles, from the closed form to the open structure.

KCDC was founded in 1973 by the late Yehudit Arnon who laid the foundation for today’s thriving International Dance Village which was developed and continues to evolve into a first-class centre for dance under the leadership of Rami Be’er and KCDC staff.

The International Dance Village is the heart and home of the company and is comprised of a total of nearly 80 dancers.

Artistic director Rami Be’er has choreographed over 50 internationally-acclaimed works for the company and has credited both the company and himself with an impressive list of original creations as well as some highly popular children’s works.

A moving theatrical event performed in figurative and abstract circles

Be’er’s creations have been awarded prizes both in Israel and abroad and the choreographer has been commissioned by numerous international companies abroad.

Be’er is known for his approach that every performance is a ‘unity’ composed of various elements.  Therefore, apart from his choreographies, Be’er designs the sets, the lighting and, at times, even the costumes.

Be’er’s work invites viewers to participate in a journey through which they can connect to themselves through an imaginary real picture of the world that audiences can interpret according to personal experience.

The Malta Arts Festival takes place between Friday and August 3. If At All takes place on Saturday and next Sunday at 9pm at the Argotti Gardens, Floriana.

www.maltaartsfestival.org