Valentina Cauchi (Malta)

PARENTOLOGY

Date: 25th July | Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta | Duration: 7mins

Synopsis:

One day, you’re drinking gin and tonics on a Friday night, and before you know it, you’re licking your child’s snot off your t-shirt and wondering, how did I get here? Parentology intends to be a humorous – and perhaps too honest - attempt at making sense of life after becoming a parent. The piece draws inspiration from stand-up comedy and dance theatre practices. It is a one-woman show with an original script based on real-life personal events, created as an attempt to understand the new responsibility of becoming a parent.

About the Company:

Umani Dance Theatre is a new performing arts company with the aim of creating work about humanity’s dilemmas in a rapidly changing world.

Valentina Cauchi - Choreographer

Valentina is a dance artist and performing arts academic based in Malta. Her recent choreographic work work includes ‘AI I AM’ for Zfinmalta (2024), ‘The big Cheese’ as part of Zfin Malta’s AiR program (2023) and ‘Fashion unleashed as part of the Malta Arts Festival (2023). Valentina mainly works in performing arts education and academia, holding teaching licenses from the International Society of Teachers of Dance and Rambert Grades in addition to her Degree in Dance studies and Masters qualifications in dance and performance. She is currently a performing arts lecturer at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, specialising in dance and history of performance.

Martina Zammit - Dancer

Martina was born in Malta in 1987. She first danced with the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet in Malta, where she studied the Legat System. Martina completed three degrees at the University of Malta, beginning with a Bachelor degree in English and Archaeology, and followed by a Masters in English, Modern and Contemporary Literature and Criticism. She then undertook a Bachelor of Dance Studies, which is where she was introduced to contemporary dance. Martina joined ŻfinMalta as a company dancer in 2014, and since 2018 has taken up the role of Education & Outreach Artist. Martina discovered she was a Mama in 2023.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreographer: Valentina Cauchi | Script: Valentina Cauchi | Vocal Coach: Erica Muscat | Dancer: Martina Zammit | Music: 'Hurry Hurry Drive the Fire truck' by The Kiboomers, 'Lullaby' by Brahms, 'Break Stuff' by Limp Bizkit, 'If You’re Happy And You know It' by Super simple songs & 'Nannou' by Aphex Twin

Supported by: Spazju Kreattiv

Kim Ellul (Malta)

FIND YOUR YELLOW

Date: 25th July | Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta | Duration: 12mins

Synopsis:

Yellow, a color often associated with joy and positivity, symbolizes the light that true friendship brings into our lives. In a world saturated with superficial connections, Find Your Yellow explores the profound impact of meaningful relationships. The piece begins with dancers in isolation, their movements fragmented and hesitant, reflecting loneliness and the search for connection. Gradually, moments of interaction emerge, as the dancers explore themes of trust, support, and shared happiness. The movement aims to capture the transition from solitude to the strength found in genuine bonds and surrounding oneself with the right people. At its heart, Find Your Yellow is a celebration of friendship as a source of resilience and hope. It conveys the message that true connections have the power to lift us beyond life's challenges, bringing warmth and light even in the darkest moments.

Kim Ellul - Choreographer & Dancer

Kim Ellul is a dynamic dance teacher and performer based in Malta, known for her technical versatility and passion for choreography. She trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, and contemporary dance at the Alison White Dance Studio, earning top qualifications, before completing a BPA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (2011–2014). Kim also holds certifications in Acro Dance, Aerial Hoop, and a diploma in Social Media Marketing. Since 2014, she has been teaching at the Alison White Dance Studio, where she now serves as Vice Principal. Her work extends to the community through voluntary movement classes at the Guardian Angel Resource Centre. Kim’s performance highlights include work with White Heat, CHOGM, Dubai Expo 2020, and choreographing for EuroPride 2023. She has also taught internationally, including at NOX Camp in Sicily. Energetic and collaborative, Kim is dedicated to inspiring others and celebrating the transformative power of dance.

Clare Smith - Dancer

Clare Smith is a versatile dancer specializing in ballet, jazz, tap, commercial, and contemporary styles. With years of training at the Alison White Dance Studio, Clare’s performances showcase a unique blend of technical skill and emotional expression. Dance, for Clare, is not just an art form—it’s a way to connect with her emotions and communicate stories without words. Whether performing or practicing, dance gives her a sense of freedom, joy, and empowerment that fuels her passion to keep growing. In addition to performing, Clare is now a teaching assistant at the same school, where she helps young dancers build their skills and confidence. Through teaching, she strives to instil the same love for dance in others that has shaped her own life. Clare is committed to using dance as a powerful form of expression and

connection.

Alexandra Raach - Dancer

Alexandra Julia Raach, a German national raised in Malta, is a versatile dancer with a strong foundation in the performing arts. She earned a Diploma in Performing Arts from MCAST and has spent the past years training at the Alison White Dance Studio, excelling in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, cabaret, and aerial hoop. She has achieved advanced grades in classical ballet and modern jazz and was awarded a scholarship at Leicester College for Performing Arts. Alexandra is a semi-professional dancer with White Heat, a cabaret dance Company, and was part of the inaugural cohort of the DLX commercial training program in 2024. She continually hones her skills through workshops and festivals, and beyond performing, Alexandra is a certified instructor, licensed with Acrobatic Arts Inc., and actively teaches at the Alison White Dance Studio, whilst also pursuing a Teacher’s Diploma. Passionate about growth and education, she embraces new challenges, inspiring both students and audiences while contributing to Malta’s dynamic dance community.

Credits: Choreographer & Dancer: Kim Ellul | Dancers/Collaborators: Alexandra Raach & Clare Smith | Music: 'To Be Alone' by Ben Howard, 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' by Marcus Mumford & 'The Winner Is' by DeVotchKa & Mychael Danna

Supported by: Spazju Kreattiv

Dorka Késmárki (Hungary)

TRANS[ITION]//:S.  

Date: 25th July | Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta | Duration: 7mins

Synopsis:

Hiroshima atomic bomb. Can you hear it? I could…What about the monotone music that just rips your brain apart after listening to it too much? That’s not even that bad, here comes the worst… After the explosion which was followed by a howl that goes into the bones, the joints, the muscles.., radiation-induced mutations transformed society, serving as a metaphor for evolution of identity and gender acceptance. According to that, these feelings had been with us since birth, but we may live in oppression, even by ourselves, because we do not dare to accept who we really are. As individuals navigate self-perception and societal-rejection, one protagonist’s journey highlights resilience, and the courage to embrace one’s true self, offering hope for a more inclusive future. And you know what? Obviously the madness that has been explored, comes from being madly.., madly in love. 

Dorka Késmárki - Choreographer & Dancer

Dorka Késmárki is a freshly graduated, 20 years old dance artist from Budapest. She started her career in 2015, dancing in various theatres in Hungary, then continued her dance education at the Hungarian Dance University in the Classical Ballet department. Finally, she graduated at the Nemes Nagy Ágnes Artistic High School as a contemporary and theatre dancer, receiving her National Qualification Register of Dance in 2024. Now, she is doing her Bachelor’s in Dance Studies in the School of Performing Arts, University of Malta. 

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Dancer & Choreographer: Dorka Késmárki | Music: 'FTCU' by Nicki Minaj, 'Problème d’émotion' by Igorrr, 'I Think They Call This Love' by Elliot James Reay, '16 Candles' by Johnny Maestro & The Crests, 'We Belong Together' by Ritchie Valens | Poems: 'Time' by Dorka Késmárki & 'Heart-portage' by Dorka Késmárki 

Supported by: Spazju Kreattiv

Warren Bonello (Malta) 

SHADOWS OF INFLUENCE

Date: 25th July | Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta | Duration: 12mins

Synopsis:

In "Shadows of Influence," five dancers from diverse backgrounds come together to express the complexities of social and government manipulation. Through a fusion of contemporary and commercial dance styles, each performer channels personal experiences related to societal pressures and control. As they navigate a metaphorical landscape, their movements illustrate the tension between individuality and conformity. The choreography delves into themes of surveillance, propaganda, and the struggle for personal truth against a backdrop of societal expectations. Each dancer represents a distinct voice— the naive influencer, the critical thinker, the oppressed, the rebel, and the awakened. Together, they weave a narrative that both critiques and questions the role of authority in shaping public perception. The performance culminates in a powerful display of unity, reminding audiences of the strength found in resistance and the importance of reclaiming one's narrative in the face of manipulation.

Warren Bonello - Choreographer & Dancer

Warren Started dancing at the early age of 5, Latin American and ballroom where he excelled locally and internationally, who then drifted onto new styles of dance which led him to the local dance scene in Malta. He then moved to Cambridge at the age of 17 and started studying Performing Arts professionally at Body Work under the guidance of Theresa Kerr. After graduating, Warren performed in his all-time favorite- ‘West side story’- in Cork, Ireland other numerous contracts such as Dancer on Costa Mediterranea, Dance Captain for Haven Park tour, Backing Dancer for Tiao Cruz in the O2 Arena and more. Ever since, Warren graduated from The University of Malta with a BA in dance education, danced in various live shows, on Tv and on stage such as ‘Mamma Mia’ & Choreographed ‘We will Rock You’, Sleeping beauty the panto, ‘Il-Kbir Ghadu Gej’ & “Ellie l- Musical”.He has also established his own dance company – DOPE dance company since 2020. Ever Since the company has worked multiple platforms, projects, and various corporate jobs, such as ‘Muzika Muzika’, Eurovision, and more.

Supported by: Spazju Kreattiv

Abigail Agius (Malta/France)

GĦABEX

Date: 25th July | Location: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta | Duration: 7mins

Synopsis:

Dusk: a moment of transition. A point in time suspended between day and night. On the precipice: at the end of something, and at the start of something else. Traces of the past remain. Signs of what’s to come begin to appear. The moment one attempts to measure a moment, it slips away. We understand time to be linear, and yet, in our individual experiences, time moves: speeding up and slowing down. This piece searches to remain within that fleeting space. Suspended between an ending and a beginning, Għabex mediates the moment of dusk through the body, opening up a space for in-betweenness and possibilities for being-with the passing of time. 

Abigail Agius - Director & Choreographer

Abigail Agius is an artist and emerging choreographer. Working at the intersection of bodily knowledge and site-specific practice, she engages with the landscape and uses wave phenomena such as light to wonder about the visible and invisible forces which connect one being to another. She has exhibited and performed work in Malta, Italy, Hungary and Austria. 

Zoe Camilleri - Co-Choreographer & Rehearsal Director

Zoe Camilleri is a dancer, artist and maker. Between 2014-2018, Zoe danced as part of ŻfinMalta, working alongside renowned choreographers such as Iván Pérez, Athanasia Kanellopoulou, Jose Agudo, Mavin Khoo, Francesca Tranter, Lucia Piquero, and Paolo Mangiola. As a freelance artist she has taken on roles of performer, teacher, movement director, choreographer, rehearsal director and costume coordinator, working with companies and organisations across different sectors of the arts. 

Niels Plotard - Sound Designer & Dancer

Niels Plotard is a transdisciplinary artist, performer and technician, intrigued by the exploration of movement within physical, visual and sonic worlds. He is curious about the invisible, the out-of-sight, the overlooked and the forgotten. Niels followed studies at the Ballet Junior de Genève, where he worked with choreographers including Roy Assaf, Barak Marshall, Idan Sharabi, Andonis Foniadakis and Stijn Celis. He also performed in works by Hofesh Shechter, Alexander Ekman, Thierry Malandain, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and more. Between 2014 to 20217 he joined ŻfinMalta as a company dancer, performing works by Mavin Khoo and Iván Pérez Aviléz in various countries around Europe and Asia. 

Credits: Direction and Choreography: Abigail Agius | Co-Choreographer and Rehearsal Director: Zoe Camilleri | Dancer: Niels Plotard | Composer: Christian Galea | Sound Design: Niels Plotard | Costume: Zowij Camilleri 

Supported by: Spazju Kreattiv

IMPORTANT

The programme for Dance Festival Malta Day 2 (B & C) occurs in two different venues for which two separate tickets need to be purchased.

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