A Story Told by Movement and Dance: A Choreography Masterclass by Diane Portelli

Blurb: Diane Portelli is one of the choreographers in Mikiel Anton Vassalli College’s (MAVC) multidisciplinary triptych, this year named “L-Aħħar Bastiment: Stories from the Grand Harbour”. In anticipation of this production, Diane delivered a masterclass on choreography. These masterclasses are offerred and organised by the Department of Multidisciplinary Arts Studies within MAVC offering students a glimpse into the craft and collaboration behind a professional theatrical production.

This masterclass, held at the Mikiel Anton Vassalli College Main Hall in Ħamrun, invited 18 eager participants into the evocative world of L-Aħħar Bastiment: Stories from the Grand Harbour, where movement became a vessel for storytelling. Through guided improvisation and choreographic exploration, students began to shape a physical language rooted in emotion and narrative, refining their expression while deepening musicality, spatial awareness, timing, and dynamic sensitivity. Compositional tools such as canon, repetition, contrast, and accumulation were explored, encouraging a collaborative process built on responsiveness, imagination, and shared creativity.

The masterclass revealed how rehearsals for L-Aħħar Bastiment: Stories from the Grand Harbour unfold within a professional framework, preparing participants for the demands of a full production. Engaging with staging, technical elements, and the discipline of performance, students developed consistency, focus, and adaptability. This environment allowed them to strengthen technique, coordination, and control, while becoming more attuned to ensemble awareness: timing, spacing, and cohesion.

Beyond performance, the masterclass offered a space for reflection and growth. Participants were encouraged to recognise their progress, confront challenges, and refine their artistic voice, ensuring that the story they bring to life on stage resonates with clarity, depth, and expressive power.

L-Aħħar Bastiment – Stories from the Grand Harbour will be staged on Saturday 9 May 2026 at St. Agatha Auditorium, Rabat.

Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance via: https://www.ticketline.com.mt/bookings/Shows.aspx?ProductionId=1293