From the host nation of the Czech Republic we head to a debuting nation at this years Eurovision Young Dancers, Malta. We spoke to the Maltese participant, Anthea Zammit about participating in this years contest in Pilsen, this is what she had to say.
Firstly thank you very much for talking to us, how are you feeling ahead of Eurovision Young Dancers?
Working up towards Eurovision Young Dancers and our week in Pilsen has been such an overwhelming experience and I am just so excited for next Friday when the day I’ve really been working towards arrives. I simply cannot wait to start this beautiful adventure.
You are the first ever participant from Malta to go to Eurovision Young Dancers, what does it mean to be able to represent Malta at the contest?
I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to represent my country especially having been the first time that Malta is to compete in such a big event. However I am so grateful for being given this opportunity! The training towards the 19th June itself has been an incredible journey and I can’t begin to imagine how truly amazing the coming week in Pilsen will be!
What was it when you were a little child that made you want to be involved in dance and become a dancer?
If I’m completely honest it was my neighbour Stephanie who was my major role model when I was younger. She is a couple of years older than I am and we would always play together and she would show me some ballet moves every day. I would then go home and show my mother what I had learnt, try and imitate dancers on television … and that was when my mum decided that I should go to ballet lessons. I’ve never looked back since.
You are a dance teacher in Malta, what do you think your pupils will be thinking when they see you on the TV at this years competition?
I can tell they are all extremely excited.. I’ve been receiving so many ‘Good Luck’ cards and they are all so beautiful, they are constantly asking how my training is going and they always want me to show them any routine that we would be working on. They are such amazing girls and they are extremely supportive. So many of them came to watch me dance during the Maltese final and I think they might me nearly as excited as I would be during the competition in Pilsen.
When you won the Maltese selection back in April, what was your initial reaction?
Honestly, my initial reaction is a complete blur. I was so overwhelmed and overjoyed with the outcome, words cannot begin to describe what I was feeling. I cried, I laughed, I smiled , I was just so happy! It really is the most amazing thing that has happened in my dance career so far.
In Pilsen you will be performing “Ticrita”, what aspect of your routine do you like the most?
‘’Ticrita’’ is a Maltese word which literally means to tear apart. The piece brings out certain dynamics which emphasise the contrast between powerful and subtle movements, strength and gracefulness. My favourite thing about my routine is that is slightly out of my comfort zone and really pushes my limits!. What makes it so exciting is the fact that it has helped me discover different styles and movements that I am able to do and I am actually really intrigued by all of it.
In 10 years time when Eurovision Young Dancers is a memory, what do you want to see yourself doing?
I really hope that I will be spending some time dancing with international companies, always learning more and discovering more techniques and styles. My aim now is to really work hard and take my dance to a new level. It really is my dream to be able to be part of a renowned contemporary company. Having said this, I am more than certain that Eurovision Young Dancers will be a memory to treasure forever.
Finally, do you have anything you’d like to say to the readers of Eurovoix.com?
I’d like to share a motto I have that I always go by, ‘’Never settle for anything other than your best’’. It is very important to try our very best in everything in life. Failure is part of one’s journey to success however it is only acceptable if you would have given your best ,in reality no goal one may have is impossible!
We wish Anthea the best of luck for the competition in Pilsen and for her future as a dancer. Tomorrow we will bring you an interview with the Slovenian dancer Staša Tušar.
