The six Maltese dancers who will be performing alongside Compagnia Nazionale Raffaele Paganini in An American in Paris on the 4th and 5th May at the Mediterranean Conference Centre were chosen this evening during auditions held at the Manoel Theatre. The chosen dancers who are: Audrey Ellul Sullivan, Petra Gosztom, Dorian Mallia, Lynn Salamone Reynaud, Christina Aquilina and Luisa Attard. The selected dancers were chosen by an international panel of judges - which included the show’s choreographer Luigi Martelletta - for showing outstanding performance and talent. Initially four dancers had to be chosen but due to the high level of talent, Mr.Martelletta decided to extend this number to six.

Over 50 dancers auditioned in the hope of performing in this prestigious event and were supported by their dancing directors and the Dance Council Malta who were also present to support the Maltese dancers. Promotion of these auditions took place via the Dance Council Malta and also within the various dance schools around Malta and Gozo. As part of the preparations for the high profile performances in Malta, these chosen dancers will soon be travelling to Rome to train with these leading international stars.

Compagnia Nazionale Raffaele Paganini, a reputable Italian dance company will be present in Malta to perform its interpretation of the Hollywood blockbuster, An American in Paris. The performance will be headed by the Italian Maestro, choreographer and artist Raffaele Paganini.

This prestigious international performance will be staged at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, with two exclusive performances to be held on 4th and 5th May. MCC Chairman Peter Fenech said that he was very confident that An American in Paris would be a success story in Malta: “It is important for the MCC to bring to Malta shows of an international calibre and we are very happy that we’re restarting 2012 with such a prestigious event.”

MCC Chief Executive Ray Attard said he would like to appeal to the general public to plan ahead in order to book a seat for An American in Paris: “We have secured only two exclusive performances and I am sure that the two representations of ‘An American in Paris’ will be very popular with the Maltese and foreigners currently in Malta. Tickets for this performance are limited and those interested should secure an early booking to avoid being disappointed.”

Passionate dance director and performer Felix Busuttil, who was recently appointed to the MCC Board of Directors, has been entrusted with the organisation of the event. He explains that “in this first-in-Malta full Gershwin dance extravaganza, the audience will encounter the unique atmosphere of Paris during the 1940s, and the wonderful characters that keep embracing this romantic city of lights and love era after era.”

Felix explains that what renders this event even more special is that six talented Maltese dancers are going to be given the chance to perform alongside these internationally acclaimed artists. “Due to its small size, Malta does not allow for dancers to practise this art form in a full-time professional manner, however in recent years we have seen the performances of our dancers reach very high levels, and I have no doubt that the chosen dancers will make us Maltese proud.”


Booking for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will open online and at the booking offices of the Manoel Theatre and the MCC on 11th April 2012. VIP Tickets at €65 including a lavish reception (very limited seating). Other tickets: €45, €35 and also €17. Show days: 4th and 5th May 2012. More information on www.mcc.com.mt