Ballet and Contemporary with Pamela Kerr and Margaret Westby

21st-25th October

10:00-11:15

Age: 18+* 

We consider participation from younger individuals on a case-to-case basis, usually accepting requests from participants pursuing vocational training. Interested participants under the age of 18 may contact martina.d.zammit@zfinmalta.mt in advance of booking their tickets. 

Cost: €10 per session / 5 sessions for €35 (booking fees apply)

21st, 23rd, 25th October

Ballet with Pamela Kerr

10:00-11:15

This ballet class for professional dancers focuses on refining classical technique while making it relevant to the demands of the contemporary dance scene, emphasising precision, control, and the development of a versatile movement quality that can transition effortlessly between classical and modern styles. The class is designed to strengthen alignment, balance, and core stability. Each exercise builds upon fundamental principles of turnout, foot articulation, and breath, encouraging dancers to deepen their understanding of classical technique. While maintaining traditional structure, the movements are executed with an awareness of contemporary dynamics, focusing on fluidity and expansive use of space.

About Pamela Kerr

Pamela Kerr is an independent dance artist who mainly works on choreography and rehearsal direction with an interest in light design. She started her training at the Tanya Bayona Academy and after spending some time studying at London Studio Centre she resumed her training locally at The Dance Workshop under the direction of Theresa Lungaro Mifsud.  She has worked with various dance artists and companies both locally and internationally and her work has been presented in Malta, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus and most recently Dubai. Locally her work has featured during Notte Bianca, Jum Dun Karm, the fringe festival of The Malta International Arts Festival, ZiguZajg, The Malta International Arts Festival, Toi Toi, Educational programme of Teatru Manoel, and others.   She has attended various workshops and master classes with the likes of Random Dance Company, Roberto Olivan, Christopher Tandy, Samuel Guist, Ultima Vez, Hofesh Schechter and many others.  In 2018 and in 2023 her work was nominated for Best Performance for young audiences. 

22nd & 24th October

Contemporary with Margaret Westby

10:00-11:15

This class will teach students the basic fundamentals of the Horton technique, designed by Lester Horton and the foundation of choreography performed by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. The class will consist of studies to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body. Many of the movement studies which are taught will include flat backs, primitive squat, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings, deep lunges, and lateral T positions. Combinations are taught to introduce musicality and dynamics to the dancer's vocabulary.

About Margaret Westby

Dr. Margaret Jean Westby is an artist, researcher, and educator, who is currently a Lecturer of Dance Studies at the University of Malta. She completed her PhD in Humanities- Fine Arts at Concordia University in Montréal, Canada. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, USA, she is an alumni of Interlochen Arts Academy, The Ailey School, Marymount Manhattan College (BA), and Brunel University (MA). She received intensive training from dance companies including Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Jose Limon, Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet, Ballet Internationale, Bossov Ballet Theater, Ballet Intensive from Moscow, and ABT. She holds certifications from Yoga Alliance Teacher Training from Modo Yogo, American Ballet National Training Curriculum, Laban Movement Analysis and Language of Dance for Dance Educators, and Alvin Ailey School for Horton Technique. She has created and collaborated in over 30 performative works in Argentina, Austria, Canada, Finland, Malta, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and the United States. Her practice as research involves creating and collaborating in dance performances, installations, and films internationally.