History

As a result of the British overseas evacuation policy during the 2nd world war Balkan Maltese subjects living in Turkey were evacuated and faced an 8 year journey in transit before being re-settled, with my direct family coming to the UK and other members settling in Cyprus and Australia. 

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There is a dissertation written about that journey by Bridget Mary Deane

Misplaced-British-Subjects-Balkan-Maltese-in-Transit-1941-1949-B-M-Deane.pdf

 

My interest in different places and cultures has stemmed from the brief stories told to me through the childlike eyes of my father from that journey and that interest informs my inspirations in dance. From finding emeralds in the desert in Africa, to getting stung climbing trees for honey in India and paintings at home of olive trees.  Although there was much hardship and discrimination faced at the time the stories filled me with wonder for these places that exist outside of the current time and space. It created a longing for the ethnicity of my shared cultural backgrounds which was buried or hidden as an attempt of safety and 'fitting in.'

 

Promoting Interculturalism

Having been brought up proudly in a multicultural society my focus with my work now is to promote interculturalism. Not just different cultures co-existing peacefully with each other but also intermingling and celebrating our different and shared human experiences.

 

Seeking Collaboration

I look to collaborate with others to provide experiences where people can connect with different cultures through the arts, dance and music. I feel that this is especially important in the world's current political climate when political and media fearmongering can create a rise in xenophobia, racism and systemic discrimination.