The "Dance Beyond Borders" project, generously supported by EFFEA for the 2023/24 season, is a collaborative endeavour coordinated by Dance Festival Malta, under the artistic direction of Francesca Tranter. The project is conceived with the creative input of Dance Beyond Borders formed by dance artists Julienne Schembri and Deborah Falzon, who will lead it.

"Dance Beyond Borders" is a unique artistic exploration through the platforms of a residency where research is collected through the participation of independent artists from across Europe. At its core, this project aims to delve into the realities experienced by different asylum-seeking and refugee communities and to investigate the transformative potential of art and dance in their lives. We question how dance can exist at the intersection of art and activism.

Art, as a form of expression, is a vehicle that takes us on a journey of introspection and emotion. Activism, on the other hand, is an act of raising awareness, often expressed as a call or a protest. Through "Dance Beyond Borders," we aim to explore how these two worlds intersect, creating a harmonious and powerful discourse through research.

Through the Power of Collaboration, true discovery lies in co-creation, collaboration, and community building. By breaking free from our own limitations, we can evolve through enlightenment and the relationships we nurture.

In 2024, this project will come to life through various research laboratories in Italy, Portugal, Israel, and Malta involving local communities in these creative processes. Additionally, online reflections of this research will be uploaded with our partners and participating artists from around the world. This year-long journey will culminate into an eventual performance, bringing our project to its full fruition.

The "Dance Beyond Borders" project is made possible through the dedicated efforts of our participating partners, who share our passion for dance and art as a vehicle for change:

Dance Festival Malta (MT)
INTERPLAY - International Festival of Contemporary Dance and Performing Arts / Mozaico Danza (IT)
Quinzena de Dança de Almada / Companhia de Dança de Almada (PT)
Derida Dance Center represented by Art Link Foundation (BG)
Jerusalem International Dance Week / Machol Shalem Dance House (IL)

Join Dance Beyond Borders for a three day immersive workshop with the choreographers Julienne Schembri and Deborah Falzon, exploring the theme of Home through Movement, Dance and Sharing of Stories. Over 3 days, we will delve into the relationship between personal and social perspectives of Home; from our personal memories to the representation of Home in the Media.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this community experience, regardless of your origin or current residence. Our goal is to create a space that includes people from different cultures and backgrounds to have various perspectives informing our inquiry.

Together, we will embark on a journey of connection, engage in discussions, movement practices, play and dancing. Each activity will seek to explore what we share about our past, discuss our concerns in the present and collectively dream about our desired futures.

As narratives of displacement and the construction of geographical borders are confronted, you will be encouraged to question overlooked aspects of the same stories, amplify personal narratives, and challenge prevailing narratives. Ultimately, the goal is to decolonize storytelling and integrate personal experiences into shared narratives.

Join Dance Beyond Borders in celebrating the richness of our stories and striving for a more inclusive and authentic portrayal of home.

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