Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1024340
14 THIS WEEK CULTURE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 SEPTEMBER 2018 SEED Dance Studios has been making waves both locally and internationally over the past few years. To date, Marisha Bonnici is the only teacher in Malta to have taken a student all the way to the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix (the world 's most prestigious dance competition), and the first Maltese teacher to have a student become a Royal Ballet International Scholar. Seed Dance Studios in Lija, with Marisha at its helm, has a very simple yet powerful ethos. "We always aim to give our students an experience that fulfills them in every way. Whether that leads them to getting an international scholarship, passing a dance exam, or simply have an outlet to express themselves creatively, the important thing is that they feel rewarded by their efforts." Although Seed Dance Studio's approach to dance education is holistic and not just exam-based, the school is just about to become the first institution in Malta to offer American Ballet Theatre Student Examinations in affiliation with Balletschulle Theatre Basel, under the direction of Julie Wherlock. This international system will bring new levels of professionalism to the industry on the island. Seed, meanwhile, also prides itself in being a school open to anyone who wants to move, and with over 90 classes given by six hand-picked teachers – including Marisha's mum, the experienced Mireille Coleiro – there is something for everyone. "My advice to parents is not to be scared of letting their children do what they love, or of letting them dream of a future in dance. Find a school which gives opportunities both locally and internationally, as well as teachers who are qualified." With classes in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Jazz, Spanish, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Street Jazz and Hip-Hop, students at Seed Dance Studios can truly explore their dance talent and creativity. "What children decide to take up is completely up to them, but we do look at their abilities and suggest changes whenever necessary. Nevertheless, dance is more than just physical activity… Dance helps children with their posture and health, it aids students manage their time better, and it gives them a creative outlet away from desks and keyboards," Marisha concludes. The new scholastic year at Seed Dance Studios commences in October for children aged 3+. Find Seed Dance Studios on Facebook. The power of dance As Seed Dance Studios prepare for another scholastic year choc-a-block with dance classes, we caught up with its artistic director, MARISHA BONNICI, to discuss what they have planned COME MOVE WITH US Classes in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance, Street Jazz, Spanish Dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical Jazz T: 7906 8681 E: seeddancestudios@gmail.com