8 January 2025
On Sunday, 1st December 2024, we were happy to welcome 117 students to the 6th edition of the Malta Awards – an event which was held at Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire Studios. All participants arrived well in time, beautifully presented and ready to make their teachers very proud. The standard was high, with the students showing refined technique and an awareness of strong Cecchetti principles. We really did celebrate our heritage and the beauty and purity of the Cecchetti Method.
Ms Brenda Lee Grech, a Maltese classical dancer who boasts of an amazing career as a professional dancer with Scottish Ballet and Rambert Dance Company was our adjudicator this year. Nina Winter and Elizabeth Garner Watson taught the classes and Veronique Vella accompanied the class at the piano.
The event would not be possible without the dedication of Johane Casabene, Mireille Coleiro, Rowena Grech and Brigitte Gauci Borda, who are part of the local organising team. A big thank you to Sophie Maasland and Karen Littlewood from ISTD for organising the event and a special thank you to The Cecchetti Society Trust who generously fund the Tanya Bayona Senior Award.
Congratulations to the winners and to all the participating students. Eviva Cecchetti!
Written by Theresa Lungaro-Mifsud
Award Winners 2024
Lower Junior Award
| Lower Junior Award | Dancer | Teacher |
| Musicality | Elle Bonnici | Marisha Bonnici |
| Artistry | Kay Bonello | Marisha Bonnici |
| Joy of Dance | Ginevra Prospero | Rowena Grech |
| Best Port de Bras | Sasha Vella | Marisha Bonnici |
| Best Technique | Mila Woods | Marisha Bonnici |
| Best Solo Performance | Anne Grima | Rowena Grech |
| Class Award | Camilla Ellul Sullivan | Marisha Bonnici |
Junior Award
| Junior Award | Dancer | Teacher |
| Musicality | Lucia Vella Laurenti | Johane Casabene |
| Artistry | Leila Galea | Pamela Kerr |
| Joy of Dance | Chloe Debattista | Rowena Grech |
| Best Port de Bras | Mattea Portelli | Rowena Grech |
| Best Technique | Sarah Jane Camilleri | Rowena Grech |
| Best Solo Performance | Ella Sultana | Johane Casabene |
| Class Award | Siena Micallef | Marisha Bonnici |
Middle Award
| Middle Award | Dancer | Teacher |
| Winner | Sophie Abela | Marisha Bonnici |
| Runner Up | Ida Pace | Marisha Bonnici |
| Special Commendation | Charlie Falzon | Marisha Bonnici |
Tanya Bayona Senior Award
| Tanya Bayona Senior Award | Dancer | Teacher |
| Winner | Ella Pace | Marisha Bonnici |
| Runner Up | Eleyna Darmanin | Johane Casabene |
| Special Commendation | Bianca Ellul Sullivan | Marisha Bonnici |
