Count me in! Dance Festival Malta
Sliema, Malta
Dance
“Count me in!” is all about sharing stories that highlight diversity, equality, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in the seat of art festivals. In this series you will hear their stories, and see how we can all make a difference by standing up for each other.
Dance Festival Malta (DFM) is a young and dynamic festival, entering its fourth year in 2025. As Artistic Director with over 40 years of experience as a dance artist, practitioner, educator, and choreographer, born and living on the small island of Malta, I believe in the fundamental duty to educate and broaden the knowledge of our audiences, especially in the areas of inclusivity and the ageing body. While Malta has NGOs focused on inclusivity, DFM goes a step further by hosting inclusive professional dance programmes. Our goal is to expose audiences to high-calibre performances that show how dancers with disabilities can thrive, inspiring hope and demonstrating that it is possible to pursue a dance career, regardless of physical challenges. These performances aim to raise awareness and encourage viewers to believe in their potential. Equally important is the festival's focus on the ageing body in dance. Too often, dancers and mentors stop moving and performing due to age or life circumstances. Through our intergenerational projects, we reignite the passion of elder dancers, inviting them back to the stage to share their love for the art. This approach gives significance to the ageing, moving body, recognising that even as dancers age, they have valuable knowledge, creativity, and experiences to contribute. Our diverse programme blends aesthetic, technical excellence, athleticism, storytelling, and cultural diversity, featuring emerging artists and fostering open exchanges between performers and audiences. As Malta evolves, we push artistic boundaries, envisioning a future where inclusivity is so deeply ingrained that the word itself becomes obsolete.
More info: festivals.mt