Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/349229
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 JULY 2014 38 THIS WEEK THE Malta Contemporary Dance Company has an- nounced that international dancer and choreographer Mavin Khoo will be its first artistic director. Khoo has collaborated with the likes of Akram Khan and Wayne McGregor and his commissions include the Roy- al Ballet Artist Development Initiative and the Venice Bien- nale. The Arts Council of England supported his own company mavinkhooDance during his years as a UK based artist. In 2010, Khoo relocated to Malta to help develop its first full time contemporary dance pro- gramme at the University of Malta and has continued his international work from there. Recently, he has been acting as rehearsal director to Akram Khan Company. The Malta Contemporary Dance Company, falling under the auspices of the Fondazzjo- ni Ċentru għall-Kreattività, will be a repertory-based com- pany. Its development lies in the sharing and employment of a wide range of repertoire ranging from new works cre- ated by local and international choreographers (upcoming and established) as well as the restaging of significant inter- national choreographies. It aims to be an ensemble of high artistic quality and versatility while maintaining its Euro- Mediterranean identity at its very core. Khoo has committed to a three-year tenure. In the first year of operation, he will lead the building of an infrastruc- ture that will support the en- semble's foundation so as to achieve an operation that is measurable and sustainable. Khoo will also be responsible for the development of out- reach and education work that will be an essential aspect of the company's desire to in- spire, excite and most impor- tantly, include audiences of all ages and types, from all walks of life. To this end, The Malta Con- temporary Dance Company is launching Dance Lookout – an opportunity for local and in- ternational Dancers to partici- pate in a series of workshops for the Company, in view of the structure which is cur- rently being created. Creative and versatile danc- ers skilled in contemporary dance who possess strong technical and performance skills and a broad experience in contemporary dance, im- provisation and contact work with a strong ballet founda- tion should forward their CVs to applications@sjcav.org by 12pm, July 23. Applicants will be allotted a space for the first sessions of Dance Lookout, which will be held towards the end of July and beginning of August 2014. More information can be found on www.sjcav.org You'd think that to watch weird-shaped sh like stingrays is a privilege reserved for those who don complicated gear and go diving at dangerous depths. You couldn't be further from the truth: the common stingray in the picture was photographed at three metres, not exactly the Marianas Trench! Common Stingrays (M: Boll Komuni) are not rare around our shores, you only need to nd a nice sandy bed, and scan the bottom for the telltale kite shape. Like many bottom-dwellers of sandy habitat, stingrays like to hide by partly burying themselves in the sand, especially by day, and can be hard to spot. But the protruding eyes are always alert, and if you swim too close the sh will bolt in a urry of undulating 'wings' trailing that long thin tail. Stingrays are closely related to sharks but don't go panicking, at least not unless you're a small, bottom-dwelling sh or snail, which form the animal's main diet. So relax and enjoy the company. Just pray nobody with a harpoon turns up to dispatch your stingray, and your fun. Text Victor Falzon Photo Desirée Falzon 413. COMMON STINGRAY GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 315: TOO MUCH MILK? - If you sometimes buy too much milk, or you're about to go on holiday, here's a handy way to use it up - and save time making supper. Make a quick white sauce - or cheese sauce if you prefer. Freeze it in containers that hold the amount you need for when you cook recipes like macaroni cheese. There is a close and traditional dependence of many indigenous and local communities on biological resources. Traditional knowledge can contribute to both the conservation and the sustainable use of biological diversity. This target aims to ensure that traditional knowledge is respected and reflected in the implementation of the Convention, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, with the effective participation of indigenous and local communities. By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels. As part of its national obligations Malta targets that by 2020, the contribution of local communities/entities to the sustainable management of biodiversity is recognised and enhanced. Text by Martin Galea De Giovanni Aichi Biodiversity Targets – Traditional knowledge respected Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Khoo has committed to a three-year tenure. In the first year of operation, he will lead the building of an infrastructure that will support the ensemble's foundation so as to ensure it is sustainable Mavin Khoo to head Malta Contemporary Dance Mavin Khoo. Photo by John Grech