Rebecca Grech is pushing boundaries in her dissertation through the fusion of dance and yoga. A third-year student at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Performing Arts, she is set to captivate audiences at the ICA Festival hosted at Spazju Kreattiv.

Rebecca’s project challenges conventions in both dance and yoga, showcasing her lifelong passion for movement and expression. Having started ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance at the age of five and delving into contemporary classes at Nova Studio by age sixteen, she has honed her skills over the years. Additionally, her exploration of yoga over the past five years has added depth to her artistic journey.

Rebecca’s involvement in various productions, such as acting in ‘B’Saħħtek’ and contributing to ‘Mothers and Sons’ in sound, reflects her multifaceted talent and dedication to the performing arts. With aspirations to teach theatre and dance while continuing her own performance career, Rebecca embodies the spirit of creativity and growth.

In a conversation with Rebecca, she discussed the process behind her project, highlighting the incorporation of elements from both dance and yoga. For Rebecca, dance has always been more than just a hobby; it is a medium for expressing emotions and navigating life’s complexities. The natural synergy between dance and music inspired her to delve deeper into the music of movement, ultimately leading her to explore storytelling through dance.

Her dissertation explores the portrayal of the five earth elements—earth, fire, water, air and space—using contemporary dance techniques and Vinyasa Yoga. These elements symbolize the journey of self-discovery from birth to death, intertwining the body, mind and spirit through growth and transformation.

Initially challenged by the integration of these elements with her chosen dance styles and techniques, Rebecca persevered until she found a narrative for her abstract yet meaningful performance. Her dissertation aims to offer audiences a fresh perspective on the Earth’s Elements, fostering a deeper appreciation of life’s journey.

By merging yoga practices with dance, Rebecca’s work not only breaks new ground in the field of performing arts but also opens doors to innovative approaches in movement and expression. With her performance at Spazju Kreattiv, Rebecca hopes to attract individuals who understand and appreciate the intersection of theatre, dance and yoga, further enriching the creative landscape of the performing arts community.