Open Call for Dancers M.A.D. (Music and Dance) Dance Choreographic Residency | June 5th – 18th, 2026

Photo credit: Stephen Buhagiar The Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) invites applications from dancers and apprentices of all genders to participate in a ten-day choreographic lab and dance residency.

This immersive programme offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with choreographers Alessio Damiani (Italy) and Jade Farrugia (Malta). Over ten days, participants will engage in research, training, and creative exploration, leading to the development of three original choreographic works. These works will be premiered with live music as part of the M.A.D. (Music and Dance) platform within the Malta International Arts Festival, on 17 and 18 June 2026.

Selected dancers will form part of a dynamic creative ensemble, expanding their technical and improvisational abilities within a collaborative and inspiring environment. Applicants should possess an understanding of classical ballet and contemporary dance with solid improvisational skills and a willingness to contribute creatively to the choreographic process.

Residency Details

·       Dates: 5 – 18 June 2026

·       Performance Dates: 17 & 18 June 2026

·       Venue: Creative process studio/venue to be confirmed

·       Hours: 09:00 – 18:00

Audition Details

·       Date: Friday 6 March 2026 (by application and invitation only)

·       Time: 16:00 – 19:00

·       Venue: Moveo Dance Studios, 112 Triq Nazju Ellul Street, Gżira

·       Application Deadline: 21 February 2026 (by 12:00 pm noon)

·       Audition & Residency Fees: Free

Application Process

Applicants (aged 18+) are invited to send an email to: Neil Zerafa (Festival Manager) — neil.zerafa@festivals.mt & Francesca Tranter — francescatranter@gmail.com

Please include “Dance Residency – M.A.D. (Music and Dance)” in the subject line and attach the following:

1.     One full-body photo

2.     A brief CV and short bio

3.     A video link (maximum 3 minutes) demonstrating your dance ability

Choreographer Alessio Damiani (Italy)

Born in 1993 in Palermo, Italy, Alessio Damiani began his dance training in his hometown before joining the Agora Coaching Project at age 18, under the direction of Michele Merola and Enrico Morelli. Since 2013, he has worked as a freelance dancer and teacher in Italy and Germany. In March 2017, he joined the Hessisches Staatsballett at the Staatstheater Wiesbaden, where he has performed works by internationally acclaimed choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Sharon Eyal, Imre and Marne Van Opstal, Damien Jalet, Eyal Dadon, Nadav Zelner, Edward Clug, among others.

In recent years, Alessio has also established himself as a choreographer. His work Burdens of Being has toured internationally and was selected as a finalist in several prestigious choreographic competitions such as Barnes Crossing, the 38th International Competition Hannover, Concurso Coreográfico Internacional Burgos & Nueva York, and Prospettiva Danza Padova. The piece has also been presented at notable festivals including Quinzena de Dança de Almada, Tanzbiennale Heidelberg, and will feature at the Festival de Danse de Cannes in November. Most recently, Alessio created Echoes of Your Loss for the Companhia de Dança de Almada, which premiered on 12 October 2024.

Choreographer Jade Farrugia (Malta)

With a deep passion for movement and expression, Jade has developed her artistry through extensive training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and modern theatre at The Dance Workshop, Malta. She has collaborated with renowned choreographers and companies including Mavin Khoo Dance, Moveo Dance Company, DanceWorks, and PK Projects, and has performed at notable cultural events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the M.A.D. Residency 2022.

As a choreographer, Jade has created works for Moveo Junior Company, Young Creatives in Motion, and Festivals Malta. Alongside her creative practice, she is dedicated to dance education, teaching contemporary dance and classical ballet at The Dance Workshop. Jade holds a Master’s in Structural Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Dance Science at the University of Bern, merging her analytical and artistic pursuits through a unique interdisciplinary perspective.