Malta's Only Contemporary Dance Company
THE DANCERS OF CONTACT DANCE COMPANY
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GISELLE CALLEJA
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Giselle started her training at an early age at the Alison White Dance School, Malta.
she has trained extensively in classical ballet, modern jaz and tap. Giselle graduated at the
University of Malta in Communications with a B.A. (hons) degree. During her time there she also
attended a two year course in film and theatre studies. Interested in new dance she started
training in contemporary dance with Francesca Abela Tranter, performing her choreographic
works 'Perpetual Motion' and 'Choices'. Giselle is a founder member of the Contact Dance Company
and is presently performing with the company .
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CORINNE CUTAJAR
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Corinne started dancing at an early age . She initially trained at the Princess Poutiatine
Tanya Bayona Academy of Ballet in classical ballet, spanish dance, national dance, jazz and
contemporary. During those years she was awarded the Princess Poutiatine Cup for classical
ballet and travelled to Nice, France where she recieved a special jury prize at the Julie Sedova
classical dance Festival. She moved on to Central Academy of Ballet under the direction of
Ms. Deborah Mcnamara, pursuing her love for dance to a professional level. Corinne from a
classical background ventured into the world of Contemporary Dance where her phyisical
ability has no boundaries. Corinne is an artist and graphic designer, founder and youngest
member of Contact Dance Company and is presently performing various repertoire with the company.
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SUE RATHGEBER
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Sue born in Germany is a freelancer in dance and drama based in Malta. At an early age she
terminated her scholarship in classical ballet at the Bosl-Stiftung in Munich to dedicate her
studies entirely to the various ethnic dance styles. She spent some years training in different
countries such as Trinidad, Cuba and Spain, expanding her knowledge of the African and Caribbean
culture. In 1993 she was a member of the management team for 'Dance - the international dance
biennale Munich' and joined performing arts companies such as ' Hotel pro Forma' (Copenhagen)
She is also a qualified personal fitness trainer and martial arts specialist and is a holder
of an M.A. in theatre studies. Sue is a founder member of Contact Dance Company and is presently
performing its repertoire.
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NICOLA CRITIEN
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Nicola was born in Malta and started training in classical ballet at 'The Ballet Studio' under
the direction of Ms. Daphne Lungaro Mifsud in the Royal Academy of Dance method. In 1991 she
recieved 'the Fracci cup' award for her dedication to the art. Interested in training in a
further discipline she chose Jazz and attended the College of Jazz in Malta. Since 1998 she has
been training in contemporary dance theatre under the direction of Francesca Abela Tranter at
the Central Academy of Ballet, developing the versatility of her performance. During these years
she has accomplished a University degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her career in
the field of dance. She is a founder member of the Contact Dance Company and is presently
travelling and performing with the Company.
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SANDRA MIFSUD
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Sandra was born in Malta and began her training in classical ballet at the Princess Poutiatine
Tanya Bayona Academy of Ballet, under the supervision of Ms.Theresa Lungaro Mifsud. As her
work as a dancer developed she venture into other subjects such as Jazz, flamenco and contemporary
dance. Sandra has trained with Francesca Abela in Contemporary dance for over 10 years, where
she hopes to specialise and carry on the tough role of raising the profile of contemporary
dance on the island. During her training she also graduated from the University of Malta in
a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, where her thesis was based on 'The State of the Arts in Malta'.
During her years of training she has performed numerous times in various venues and festivals
locally and overseas, attending many workshops in dance and drama and recieved several awards
in classical and contemporary dance. Sandra has performed many of Francesca Abela Tranter's
demanding choreographic works such as 'Child belong to me', ' The Walls Speak',
' Perpetual Motion', 'Allegro, Vivo, Appasionato', ' La Forza del Destino'. In 1998 she was a
guest performer for the performances of 'Femme Fatale'. Sandra is a member of 'Birdlife' and
an environmentalist supporter. She is a and founder member of
Contact Dance Company, and aspires to pursue her career in this field as a soloist and is
presently performing the company's repertoire.
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AUDRA LYN MICALLEF
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Audra was born in Malta, and began her training in classical ballet at 'The Ballet Studio'
under the direction of Ms. Daphne Lungaro Mifsud. She further pursued her dance at the
Princess Poutiatine Tanya Bayona Academy of Ballet under the supervision of Ms.Theresa
Lungaro Mifsud. She developed her work by training in various disciplines such as Jazz,
national dance and contemporary dance. Audra has trained with Francesca Abela Tranter in
contemporary dance for 9 years having performed several of Francesca's choreographic works in
several festivals and venues both locally and overseas. Audra successfully graduated from the
University of Malta with an honours degree in Psychology. She has recieved numerous awards
during her dance training and attended several workshops in the varying styles. Audra has
recently returned from a successful M.A. course at the Laban Dance Centre in England, specialising
in Dance Therapy. She aspires to create a niche in dance therapy and special needs in Malta.
She has developed a tremendous love and energy for contemporary dance and is a founder member
of Contact Dance Company. She is presently performing it's repertoire touring locally and overseas.
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