What inspired you to dance as a child, what were your influences and where did you train?
I grew up in Swatar, in a family with no background in dance – so ballet was an entirely unfamiliar world to them. Yet, from the age of five, I was insistent on joining ballet classes – something my mum still finds remarkable. She often reminds me how determined I was to start dancing, even though I can’t recall what initially drew me in. I began my training at the Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance and later continued at Seed Dance Studios. From that early age, dance became my language, a space where I felt free, confident, and expressive.
What is it about ballet that captivated you?
I was always captivated by the elegance of ballet. The elegant tutus, the glittering tiaras, the beautiful lines and grace of the dancers on pointe – it all felt magical. I remember watching the older girls at my school during rehearsals and then rushing home to try and mimic their movements. Though I was a shy, introverted child, stepping on stage transformed me. I felt fearless It was around the age of ten that I knew I wanted to become a professional ballerina. That decision shaped everything that followed.
From then on, my life revolved around training. Daily classes became my norm, and I began attending workshops and competitions abroad whenever possible. In my final year of secondary school, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I auditioned for some vocational ballet schools via Zoom from my living room. I was fortunate to receive offers from both London and New York, and ultimately chose to attend the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.
At sixteen, I moved away from Malta to pursue my training. It meant leaving my family, friends, and the routine of daily life I had always known. I had never lived alone, and suddenly I had to figure out how to do everything – budgeting, grocery shopping, laundry, finding doctors – all while balancing intense training and college-level academics.
How did you find the US?
Arriving in New York for the first time was a whirlwind. I was in awe of the towering skyscrapers and the energy of the city. It was both thrilling and overwhelming to be so far from home, alone in such a fast-paced environment. One of the greatest challenges I faced was learning how to live independently. I stayed in the school dorms with other students who, like me, were navigating the same culture shocks and homesickness. We became each other’s support system. The time difference made regular contact with my family back in Malta difficult, but their encouragement never wavered.
My typical day started with intense ballet training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that consisted of technique class, pointe work, variations, and contemporary or jazz. After that, I would head back to my room and complete coursework for my college degree. I was simultaneously working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance through a joint program between the Joffrey Ballet School and New Jersey City University. My academic studies complemented my training, giving me a broader understanding of dance as both a performance art and a discipline.
There were many moments that tested me – injuries that took me out of class for weeks or months at a time. I would go into the studio every day and just observe, notebook in hand, watching every correction, every detail, trying to remind myself why I was there. Not being able to dance during my recovery was frustrating, but it pushed me to stay mentally engaged and continue learning in any way I could.
Throughout my time at Joffrey, we had performance opportunities at the end of each semester. Winter shows featured The Nutcracker, while our spring productions showcased excerpts from classical and contemporary ballets. One of my most memorable highlights was performing as the Arabian Princess in The Nutcracker during my final year. I also had the opportunity to dance a solo and the Passion Pas de Deux in Viva Vivaldi for my graduation performance – an experience that felt like a culmination of years of hard work.
Importantly, the degree was carried out following the award of a Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme financed by the government of Malta and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation. Their belief in my potential and investment in my training allowed me to pursue this path abroad, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities they helped make a reality.
And what comes next?
In February, I was honored to be selected, along with a few fellow students, to perform with the Grand Kyiv Ballet in Boston in their production of Swan Lake. After the performance, the company offered me a contract for their upcoming tour. Starting this season, I’ll be performing in full-length productions such as Swan Lake, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White, touring major U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles. I’m incredibly excited to experience different theaters across the country and continue developing as a professional dancer on this international stage.
My family has been my biggest support system. While it’s never easy for them to see me leave home again, they are incredibly proud and excited about this new chapter. Their belief in me has never wavered, even when pursuing ballet meant sacrifices, distance, and uncertainty.
To any young readers who may be dreaming of a career in dance: don’t be afraid to follow your passion, even if it takes you far from what’s familiar. The path won’t be easy, there will be long hours, injuries, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But if you’re willing to work hard, stay focused, and push through the tough days, it will be worth it.
Destiny’s degree was enabled by the award of a Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme financed by the Government of Malta and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.
“Their belief in my potential and investment in my training allowed me to pursue this path abroad, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities they helped make a reality,” she adds.
