Malta’s renowned YADA Dance Academy is set to be another protagonist in Teatru Astra’s La Traviata.  Under the direction of Felix Busuttil, Malta’s leading dance company will produce the choreography in Verdi’s opera which make a welcome return to Teatru Astra after the first production back in 1988.

Earlier in January this year, YADA has recently set up its Gozo’s Academy in Teatru Astra where a state of the art studio was inaugurated. Since then, Teatru Astra is the proud host of the weekly dance lesson attended by hundreds of youths and children, which are trained in the art of dancing by YADA professional teachers.  Teatru Astra, as a partner in this dance academy, considers this new venture as another milestone in its mission statement of promoting and supporting the arts.

 Felix Busuttil, in collaboration with the opera’s artistic director Marco Gandini, will be responsible for the choreography in the opera. Dance rehearsals ahead of the two productions of La Traviata which will be held on 28 and 30 October have already commenced in YADA studios.

Felix Busuttil, born and, Gozo-bred, was introduced into the world of dance at the ripe age of 17. He  started at the Alison White Studios and later at the Tanya Bajona Poutiatine Academy of Ballet. In September 1984, he set up the YADA  with the help of Mrs Janatha Stubbs and the late Mr. Paddy Stubbs who are still patrons of the company.

During this period, Felix performed extensively overseas in London, Miami and Puerto Rico. He returned to Malta in 1989 and together with Justin Roy Barker opened The College of Jazz Dance which today is respected as one of the foremost dance schools in Malta.

The YADA Dance Company has participated in numerous prestigious and national festivities such as the CHOGM Opening Ceremony in the presence of H.R.H Queen Elizabeth II and 52 other Head of States. During his 28 span of dance career, Felix has also choreographed various operas, operettas, pantomimes, music videos, national theatrical celebrations, television productions, international films, exhibitions and promos. YADA is today Malta’s most versatile and most in demand dance company and is a household name. Since 1993 Felix has also produced major theatrical representations that have become national events and unprecedented in relation to the filling up of huge theatres to their brim.

Information and booking enquiries for the opera and Festival Mediterranea should reach the Teatru Astra’s helpdesk on 2155 0985 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

09-10-2010