Sarah Vella (Malta)

P O W E R

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 15mins

Synopsis:

P O W E R is a performance that delves into personal narratives of inner resilience and strength. Through research encounters with local female communities and a multidisciplinary artistic collaboration, the project aims to sensitively explore the universal human experiences of overcoming adversity, embodying courage, and revealing vulnerability. Rooted in personal journeys and collective wisdom, P O W E R seeks to inspire and empower communities to embrace their inner strength and thrive amidst life's challenges. P O W E R aims to be a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure, adapt, and ultimately thrive amidst adversity. It is a performance about personal experiences of family, love, hardship, and the connecting thread of power: the power around us, the power within us, and the power that lies in our inner strength and resilience.

About the Company:

VELLA COLLECTIVE is a contemporary dance collective founded by Sarah Vella, a dance artist/choreographer from Malta. The mission of the collective is to hold a profound curiosity for understanding the intricacies of the human form. It aims to transcend conventional boundaries, offering a platform for innovation and artistic collaboration. We believe in fostering a sense of togetherness, offering opportunities for artists to connect, collaborate, and engage in thought-provoking themes. VELLA COLLECTIVE aims to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and explore raw emotion through the language of movement, whilst practicing authenticity and genuity on and off-stage and throughout the creative process.

Sarah Vella - Choreographer

Sarah is a dance artist & dance/movement therapist from Malta. After 12 years based in Berlin, Sarah moved back home continuing her artistic practice spanning from initiating, leading & supporting performing arts projects to taking on various roles as a performer, choreographer, collaborator, producer & educator. Her work has toured Germany, England, Norway, Italy and Malta and she has performed in festivals around Europe, namely 100 GRAD Berlin festival, NAH DRAN Berlin, Dance Festival Malta, Malta International Arts Festival, and ZFINMADE for ZfinMalta, amongst others. Sarah is also an active community artist, bringing movement to various age groups, settings, & communities.

Laura Garcia Aguilera - Performer

Laura grew up in Málaga, Andalusia. Since her graduation at Institut del Teatre (IT) Barcelona (2010), she has been working as a freelancer with various companies such as Kor'sia, Antonio Ruz, Andrés Marín, La Veronal, Cienfuegos, Plan B, La Fura dels Baus and theatres like Liceo Opera House in Barcelona. She has performed as a guest dancer in state theatres, Stadtheater KTB (Bern, Suisse) and The Irish National Opera (Dublin, Ireland). She has collaborated with Joshua Monten, Tabea Martín, Opinion Public, Panorama Dance Theatre, amongst others. Laura has also performed at festivals in and out of Europe.

Alba de Miguel Fuertes - Performer

Originally from Logroño, Spain, Alba de Miguel trained in contemporary dance at the Royal Conservatory of Dance Mariemma in Madrid and SEAD – Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance in Austria. In 2017, she directed her first choreographic project, CAMINO, before joining cie. Toula Limnaios in Berlin as a full-time performer for five years. Since 2022, Alba has worked as a freelance artist, directing and choreographing CATOPTRIC (2023) and PERMEABLE BODIES (2024), both blending contemporary dance and circus arts. Her collaborations include Nico and the Navigators and Joy Alpuerto Ritter, whose Oz – Der Zauber in Uns won the Ikarus Award 2023. Alba’s solo work, G R I E T A S, combines contemporary dance and physical theatre and tours Spain and Germany. She is currently performing in Komische Oper Berlin’s Pferd Frisst Hut while continuing to tour her creations.

Benji Cachia - Musician

Benji Cachia, aka ‘Banjo Rancho’, has been practicing and studying music and performance for over 20 years, playing alongside and sharing the stage with some huge artists including, John Butler, Plini, Fernando Hernandez, Guthrie Govan and Delta Sleep! In the past 20 years he has established a strong network of collaborators in the music industry including award winning musician Pete Lockett. As leader of The Ranch, a high-powered, colourful, contemporary and experimental jazz band, Benji has toured extensively both locally and in Europe performing music from 3 established studio albums. In 2025, Benji has successfully launched his first solo album, AKSHARA.

Credits: Concept & Choreography: Sarah Vella | Performers: Alba de Miguel Fuertes (dance), Laura Garcia Aguilera (dance), Benji Cachia (music) | Music: Original sound composition by Benji Cachia

Supported by: EFFEA - European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists, The European Festivals Association, Studio Pro Arte, Frei Art Festival & l-Università ta' Malta

Catarina & Tiago (Portugal)

MATOMARI NO NAI

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 10mins

Synopsis:

Two minds traverse the shared space of an idea – an existential, abstract, and intangible pas de deux. They are two and yet one, a synapse between two neurons, two parts of a whole, a beginning and an end. Matomari no Nai seeks to illustrate the symbiosis between two beings and the shared experience of existence, expressed through the movement of bodies that dance as if speaking. It is a physical language that dissects their relationship with one another and with life, through the anatomy of an embrace.

About the Company:

Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho have been a contemporary dance duo since 2019, known for their unique and innovative approach. Over the past few years, they have presented their creations at prestigious festivals both in Portugal and abroad, receiving critical and public acclaim. Among their most notable appearances are the Quinzena de Dança de Almada (Lisbon, Portugal), Festival 10Sentidos (Valencia, Spain), the International Choreography Competition in Hanover (Germany), and Paralelo Fest (Ponta Delgada, Azores). They were awarded the Audience Prize at the SoloDuo Festival (Cologne,Germany). In 2022, they continued to solidify their artistic path by presenting Matiik on international stages such as the Jerusalem International Dance Competition (Israel) and the Daejeon New Dance International Festival (South Korea). Matomari No Nai, premiered at the SoloDuo Festival in Cologne, Germany, and has since toured internationally. The piece was performed at the 31st edition of the Quinzena de Dança de Almada (Portugal), the International Choreographic Competition Linkage (Bulgaria), where it won 3rd place and the Audience Prize, and the Straybirds Dance Platform (Taiwan), with another performance already scheduled for the 2024 MasDanza Festival (Spain). This creation also earned 1st place at the Prospettiva Danza Teatro International Prize Competition in Padova (Italy), further strengthening its international recognition. In 2024, Catarina and Tiago participated in the Teatri Riflessi festival in Sicily, winning seven awards, including 1st place, the Audience Award, and the Critics’ Prize. Their international tour continued with performances at the festival in Sibenik, Croatia, and the Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea de la Ciudad de México. Recently, they participated in the 29th edition of the MasDanza Festival (Spain), which granted them an invitation to join the Interplay Festival in Torino, scheduled for 2025.

Catarina Casqueiro - Choreographer & Performer

Graduated from the National Conservatory Dance School and began her career with a professional internship at the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in Israel, supported by a Gulbenkian Foundation scholarship. She then joined the Portuguese company Vórtice, performing in Italy, Mexico, and Portugal. She has worked with independent choreographers René Vinther, Pedro Ramos, Nélia Pinheiro, Filipa Peraltinha, Gonçalo Lobato, and São Castro with António Cabrita. In 2023, at the invitation of Daniel Cardoso, she was one of the choreographers for the Quorum Project, debuting her piece Deep(in) at Teatro D. João V, and in 2024, she will be one of the choreographers for the junior company Kayzer Ballet, premiering her new piece Transformers.

Tiago Coelho - Choreographer & Performer

Graduated from the Escola Superior de Dança, he continued his training in Israel, Germany, and the USA. He has performed in productions by both national and international choreographers and dance companies, including Vortice Dance Company, Quorum Ballet, Teresa Ranieri, René Vinther Pedersen, Marco da Silva Ferreira, Fabio Simões, Patrícia Henriques, Victor Hugo Pontes, Pedro Ramos, Sofia Dias & Pedro Roriz, and Sylvia Rijmer. Recently, he worked with choreographer Damien Jalet on his creation Chiroptera, presented at the Galais Opera (Paris). He was a guest lecturer at the Escola Superior de Dança from 2021 to 2023, where he taught Contemporary Dance Technique.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreographed & Performed: Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho | Composer: Artur Guimarães | Video and Editing: Filipa Amaro and João Bernardo | Music: Serendipity March by Artur Guimarães and Kandging Ray

Supported by: EFFEA - European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists, European Festivals Association and Quinzena de Dança de Almada

Thomas Noone (Spain)

USURPER

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 15mins

Synopsis:

In 2019 Thomas Noone premiered “After the Party” a solo that combined puppetry and. Since then, Noone has been constantly discovering the infinite movement possibilities, and how delicate and subtle variation in manipulation can trigger surprising and beautiful responses from the audience. The solo Usurper was the second step down this road, born of the desire to continue investigating, and with the acquired knowledge, create a more abstract world. “An internal dialogue, examining who the alter ego that we address is, and how it interacts with our perception of ourself. A consideration or acknowledgement of ones flaws or the darker side of self, an illustration or portrait, an observation without judgement, and a journey to find equilibrium or even peace.” Usurper was created in residencies in Dance House Lefkosia and The Roxy, Ulm 

About the Company:

Thomas Noone Dance (TND) is a contemporary dance company based in Barcelona, founded in 2001 by choreographer Thomas Noone. Known for its dynamic and physical approach to dance, the company creates works that give form to movement, expression, and emotion. TND’s performances are marked by a deep connection to the body, with an emphasis on physicality, dynamism, and poetic expression. The company produces a wide range of performances, from theater shows to outdoor events and site-specific works, often incorporating multiple art forms. Their work includes productions for diverse audiences, ranging from children to adults, and often explores themes of human connection, inclusivity, and the power of movement. TND has collaborated with leading cultural institutions in Barcelona, including the Grec Festival and Mercat de les Flors, and has toured internationally to destinations such as Europe, South America, South Korea, and Lebanon. The company’s works are often created in collaboration with other artists, and it is committed to promoting inclusive dance through partnerships with companies like Stopgap (UK) and Kyo-Muse (Japan). Thomas Noone Dance also plays a key role in local cultural life, with Noone serving as the artistic director of the Dansat! festival since 2006. 

Thomas Noone - Choreographer & Performer

Thomas Noone is a Barcelona-based choreographer known for his physical, gestural style. Founder of Thomas Noone Dance (TND) in 2001, his company has been resident at SAT! Theatre since 2005. Over 19 years, TND has premiered over 30 productions, collaborating with major institutions like the Grec Festival and Mercat de les Flors. The company tours widely across Europe, South Korea, Lebanon, and Latin America. As a guest choreographer, Noone has created works for Ballett Basel (CH), Norrdans (SE), Ballet du Rhin (FR), Münster Tanztheater (DE), and Ballet Nacional Chileno (BANCH), among others. He has also collaborated with inclusive dance companies Stopgap (UK) and Kyo-Muse (Japan). Since 2006, Noone has been Dance Program Advisor at SAT!, directing the Dansat! festival and initiatives supporting local talent, international collaborations, and inclusive dance. Awarded Barcelona’s Ciutat de Barcelona Dance Prize in 2011, he continues to teach, adjudicate, and tour works blending dance and puppetry. 

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreographer and Dancer: Thomas Noone | Choreographic Assistant: Alba Barral | Sculptor and Puppet Designer: André Mello | Composer: Jim Pinchen | Lighting Designer: Marc Lleixà | Production: Sara Esteller

Supported by: Embajada De España En Malta

Min Kim (South Korea)

FAN-MADE

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 12mins

Synopsis:

In the Chosun Dynasty, a fan was a symbol for upper-class people. In the late Chosun period, a caste system no longer existed, but the nobles still tried to maintain their power and dignity. These so-called “Yangban” (nobles) even carried fans in winter and were described as ostentatious. The piece Fan-Made tires to interpret this phenomenon in our lives.

About the Company:

TOB Group continuously question which type of dance pieces can survive in today’s era. Fusing different genres using diverse props, the company seeks to meet the general audience to expand their artistic value.

Min Kim - Choreographer & Performer

Min Kim is a choreographer based in Seoul, South Korea. After completing his studies in Korea National University of Arts, he has founded TOB GROUP. Having gained attention at a young age by revealing his fresh sensibility and using a clever approach, he is solidifying his presence not only in Korea but also on the international stage.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreographer: Kim Min | Dancer: Kim Jong Woo | Music: Longing by Gustavo Santaolalla & All Gone by Gustavo Santaolalla

Ziya Azazi (Austria/Turkey)

DERVISH IN PROGRESS

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 15mins

Synopsis:

Dervish in Progress (DIP) is a transformative whirling solo where tradition meets contemporary expression. In this performance, Ziya Azazi reinvents Sufi whirling, stripping it from rigid structures and embracing its full physical, emotional, and spiritual potential. The skirt, an essential part of the piece, is not just a costume but a dynamic partner—a symbol of freedom, transformation, and surrender. Through repetition, speed, and fluidity, DIP becomes an active meditation, a journey into self-awareness and artistic evolution. Azazi’s performance explores the delicate balance between discipline and liberation, inviting the audience to witness whirling not as a fixed ritual but as a living, breathing art form that continuously evolves. DIP is not just about turning—it’s about progressing, expanding, and feeling the limitless power of movement.

About the Company:

Dervish in Progress (DIP) is not just a company also a vision, a movement practice, and a contemporary approach to whirling. Founded by Ziya Azazi, DIP reinterprets traditional Sufi whirling, stripping it of rigid frameworks and embracing its full physical, emotional, and transformative potential. As a company, DIP creates performances, workshops, and retreats worldwide, offering a space where movement becomes an active meditation and a tool for self-discovery and balance. As a terminology, DIP stands for progressive whirling, integrating principles of equilibrium, flow, dynamic stillness, and breath awareness. It is not about religion—it is about movement as evolution, art as transformation, and whirling as a path to presence. DIP invites everyone—artists, dancers, seekers, and movers—to explore the limitless possibilities of whirling in the modern world.

Ziya Azazi - Choreographer & Performer

Ziya Azazi is a renowned dancer and choreographer known for his innovative approach to whirling and contemporary movement. Born in Turkey and based in Europe, he has spent over two decades redefining Sufi whirling, transforming it into a dynamic, physical, and deeply personal expression. With a background in gymnastics and dance, Azazi blends tradition with modernity, creating performances that challenge boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide. His signature works, including Dervish in Progress (DIP) and Ember, explore themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the balance between freedom and discipline. Azazi has performed and taught in over 55 countries, collaborating with international festivals, institutions, and artists. Through Dervish in Progress, he continues to develop whirling as an active meditation and contemporary performance art, inviting others to explore the power of movement, flow, and self-awareness.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Concept/Choreography/Dance: Ziya Azazi | Music: "Hayalname", "Vefaname" & "Nar-i Seher" by Mercan Dede | Light Design: Lutz Deppe | Costume Design: Ischiko

Tom Dale (UK)

SURGE

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 24mins

Synopsis:

SURGE – Future human on the bridge between the digital and organic worlds. Four stellar artists collaborate to create a brand new staged concept album. An immersive, audio-visual, genre-breaking performance, touring exclusive new music from British music producer ITAL TEK. Tom Dale brings to life a duet between dancer and animated light in a gripping kinesthetic relationship. A character pushed to their limits to ‘feel’ – to ‘sense’ – to ‘exist’. Featuring vocals from original performer Jemima Brown and digital design by Vent Media. SURGE 360 is performed in the round, enabling the audience to be fully immersed in the digital landscape and get thrillingly close to the dancer. See SURGE as an adapted short film on the BBC as part of Dance Passion.

Tom Dale - Choreographer & Concept

Tom Dale is a choreographer, dance artist, and Artistic Director of Tom Dale Company (TDC), which he founded in 2010. He creates groundbreaking performances that fuse contemporary dance with digital art, earning critical acclaim for works like Rise, I Infinite, Refugees of the Septic Heart, Step Sonic, and Digitopia, which won Outstanding Production at the UK Theatre and Technology Awards. His most recent work, SURGE, received 4- and 5-star reviews and won a National Dance Award. A Trinity Laban graduate, Tom has danced with leading companies, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. He has also created award-winning commissions and leads educational projects across the UK and internationally, shaping the next generation of dance artists.

Jemima Brown - Dance & Live Vocals

Jemima Brown is an award-winning Dance Artist, Choreographer, and Singer/Songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance from London Contemporary Dance School in 2015. Jemima is a Critics Circle National Dance Award winner for ‘Outstanding Female Modern Performance’ for her solo Surge with Tom Dale Company and was nominated for ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ at The Sky Arts Awards 2024. Recently, she worked as Dance Captain for Why Am I So Single? at The Garrick Theatre and Assistant Choreographer for Tim Burton’s Wednesday on Netflix. Her company work includes national and international tours with Tom Dale Company, Gary Clarke Company, James Cousins Company, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Marikiscrycrycry, and Avant Garde Dance Company. She has also performed for artists like Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Jamie XX, Paloma Faith, Fleur East and Ellie Goulding. Alongside her dance career, Jemima is a singer/songwriter who releases music under the name MYMA, including her EP Alter Ego.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Concept: Tom Dale, Jemima Brown and Barret Hodgson | Choreography: Tom Dale | Digital Projection Design: Barret Hodgson | Dance & Live Vocals: Jemima Brown | Music: Ital Tek

Conversations with the Artists

With Dr Paula Guzzanti

Date: 24th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 45mins

CONVERSATION WITH ALL ARTISTS ATTENDING the Q & R Session

About The Mediator:

Dr Paula Guzzanti is a dance artist, scholar, somatic movement practitioner, and tango dancer and teacher. She specialises in artistic and embodied research practices. In her research, Paula explores the role of the sensorial body in fostering responsible decision-making when designing urban landscapes that connect us to the natural environment. She is particularly interested in developing methodologies to deepen our interaction with the world, including the use of digital technologies to document sensory connections to places. She began her dance training in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and later continued in Ireland, where she earned a practice-based PhD in Dance Improvisation and Collaborative Performance Making at Queen’s University Belfast. She now resides in Malta, where she is the Head of the Dance Studies Department at the University of Malta.

Dance Festival Malta is sponsored by: APS Bank, GSD Marketing Ltd. & Visit Malta