National dance company ŻfinMalta is celebrating its 10th anniversary, a milestone it says represents “a decade of growth, creativity and artistic excellence”. Over the past 10 years, the company has transformed Malta’s dance scene, while also gaining recognition as an international touring company.
This week, ŻfinMalta is marking this momentous occasion with a programme of performances and participatory events at the Salesian Theatre under the banner of Żfin10.
Kicking off the week on Monday, a documentary film titled ‘10’, featuring the voices of some of the key people who form ŻfinMalta’s story.
Movement workshops for participants from Active Ageing Centres across Malta, were held at the Salesian Theatre on Tuesday. There was also an ‘open rehearsal’ for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the new production Decade.
A new podcast series, Dance dialogues, was launched yesterday on ŻfinMalta’s socials, featuring company dancers talking about life as a dancer, and the inside scoop on ŻfinMalta.
Decade, a new work made especially for ŻfinMalta’s 10th anniversary, with choreography by Thick & Tight (Daniel Hay-Gordon and Eleanor Perry) is premiering on Friday. This performance, described as “unique, energetic, and a representation of what it means to be Maltese”, features locally known personalities: author Trevor Zahra, artists Francesca Balzan, Matthew Attard and Romeo Roxman Gatt, Fr Patrick Magro and young dancer Cristina Aquilina.
Prior to the show will be a performance by young dancers, choreographed by Tara Dalli and Nicola Micallef, in the public space of the theatre.
The second and final performance of Decade will be held on Sunday, when the celebratory week will close with an after-show party at the Salesian Theatre.
Decade is supported by Arts Council Malta.
‘A commitment to local dance talent’
Founded in 2013, ŻfinMalta was born from a vision to provide Malta with a national dance company that could foster innovation, artistic collaboration and elevate the country’s position in the global dance community.
With the goal of creating a platform for contemporary dance, ŻfinMalta’s mission was clear: to enrich the cultural landscape of Malta, offer international-quality performances and provide a space for local and international choreographers and dancers to explore new artistic boundaries.
Over the years, ŻfinMalta has built a reputation for creating thought-provoking and groundbreaking productions. The company’s diverse range of performances spans contemporary dance, multimedia collaborations, and performances that integrate music, theatre, and visual arts.
“Our anniversary is a moment to reflect on history and express optimism for the future”
Beyond its performances, ŻfinMalta has also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the power of dance in Malta. The company’s educational outreach initiatives have brought dance to diverse communities across the country, including workshops for schools and collaboration with local festivals. These efforts have helped broaden the audience for contemporary dance, making it more accessible to people from all walks of life.
ŻfinMalta has also played a crucial role in nurturing the local dance scene, offering professional training programmes, workshops and mentorships for emerging artists. By establishing partnerships with local schools and educational institutions, ŻfinMalta has contributed significantly to the development of the next generation of Maltese dancers and choreographers.
This commitment to local talent development has been one of the company’s standout achievements, creating a thriving dance community that is more interconnected than ever.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, ŻfinMalta is set to continue its remarkable journey, with plans to expand its reach and further enrich the local and international dance scene as well as seeking to collaborate with international dance companies.
The company’s 10th anniversary celebrations feature an exciting new season of performances, offering audiences the chance to experience the company’s creative journey.
ŻfinMalta’s artistic director, Matthew William Robinson, says: “Our anniversary is a moment to reflect on history and express optimism for the future: a time to celebrate what has been, while shaping what could be.”
As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of bringing dance to new audiences, expanding its artistic horizons and fostering the next generation of talented dancers and choreographers.
This article was provided by ŻfinMalta.
