FACULTY
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Johane Casabene
Artistic Director & Principal
Fellow & Tutor I.S.T.D. (London)
Masters in Dance & Related Subjects (L.U.D.T. - Italy)
Master of Arts in Dance Studies (Malta)
Affiliate Teacher of The Royal Ballet School
Member of the BTDA (UK)
Johane Casabene is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire (JCDC), with over 30 years’ experience in dance education. A Fellow and Tutor of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), she is also an Affiliate Teacher of The Royal Ballet School, a registered teacher of the British Theatre Dance Association, and a member of the Association Française des Maîtres de Danse Classique and the Spanish Dance Society.
At seventeen, Johane left Malta to pursue her professional training abroad, graduating with a Master’s in Dance and Related Subjects from the Libera Università di Danza e Teatro in Mantova, Italy. During this time, she toured professionally with Balletto Regionale di Mantova and continued her dance studies in England and France, working with distinguished international artists and teachers.
Throughout her career, Johane has directed, produced, performed and choreographed for numerous productions, festivals and national events, while preparing students for international competitions and professional training opportunities. She was a founding member of the Malta Youth Ballet Foundation and contributed to the development of Malta’s Level 5 Diploma and Level 6 BA in Professional Dance.
Johane is also a graduate of the University of Malta, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Dance Studies – Practice as Research, with research centred on the work and legacy of Enrico and Grazioso Cecchetti.
Through JCDC, Johane has dedicated her career to establishing structured, high-quality dance education in Malta, nurturing generations of dancers, many of whom have continued their studies and established professional careers internationally.
ADMINISTRATION
Julia de Maria Casabene
Julia oversees the day-to-day administration and organisation of JCDC, managing student administration, communications, event coordination, financial management and licensing compliance to ensure the smooth running of the Conservatoire.
She graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2023, followed by a Master of Advocacy in 2025. She also holds an Advanced Diploma in Biomedical Engineering, bringing a diverse academic background and strong organisational skills to her role. Her own background in dance further complements her understanding of the Conservatoire environment and the students and families it serves.
Working closely with the Artistic Director and faculty, Julia coordinates examinations, performances, competitions and international projects, while serving as an important point of contact for students and families. Her professionalism and attention to detail play an integral role in supporting the Conservatoire’s operations and maintaining the high standards at the heart of JCDC.
LL.B (Hons.) M. Adv (Melit.)
FACULTY
Gabriele Farinacci
​Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Techniques (EQF/MQF Lvl 6)
Postgraduate Degree in Dance Performance (EQF/MQF Lvl7)
Tap World Champion (I.D.O. - Germany)
Born in Rome, Gabriele Farinacci began training in dance at the age of ten, developing across ballet, jazz, street dance and tap. An accomplished tap dancer, he achieved seven gold medals at the World Championships in Germany and began performing professionally from a young age.
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Following further training at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York, Gabriele pursued his growing interest in contemporary dance and ballet at the Accademia Nazionale di Danza in Rome, graduating with top marks in 2016. He later joined Transitions Dance Company in London, touring the UK and Europe while completing a Postgraduate Degree in Dance Performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
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From 2018 to 2025, Gabriele was a soloist with Moveo Dance Company under the artistic direction of Dorian Mallia, performing both locally and internationally. His professional career spans dance and theatre productions, musicals, opera, film, television and music videos.
As a teacher and choreographer, Gabriele has worked internationally across Italy, the UK, Romania and Malta. His choreography has received recognition at national and international competitions, and in 2023 his contemporary work Niobe was selected for the Washington International Dance Festival in the USA.
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At JCDC, Gabriele brings extensive professional performance and choreographic experience to the training and artistic development of young dancers.
Marcella Volcan
Degree in I and II level Vaganova (Italy)
Marcella Volcan began her dance training in Turin, studying classical ballet, Graham technique and character dance with Enrico Sportiello, dancer and choreographer at Teatro alla Scala and collaborator of Léonide Massine, and Susanna Della Pietra at Dance Center Teatro Mirafiori. She later broadened her training across contemporary dance, jazz, tap and flamenco.
Her continued professional development included classical ballet teachers’ courses with Margarita Smirnova, through which she gained first and second-level diplomas in the Vaganova Method. She also trained with internationally recognised artists including Larri Exson, Linda Kemp and Gigi Caciuleanu, studied choreography with West Side Story performer Jaime Rogers, and attended classes with Debbie Allen.
Marcella began her professional performance career in 1990 with the Regional Ballet Company of Mantua, touring Italy, Albania and Malta. Her career subsequently encompassed ballet, operetta and musical theatre, working as a dancer, soloist and assistant choreographer, and included guest appearances at the Tirana Opera House and performances at festivals and gala events.
Alongside her performing career, Marcella founded and directed her own school, Ganxhe Arte Danza, in Italy from 1997 to 2004. She later taught classical ballet and choreographic workshops at established schools in Mantua and Verona.
At JCDC, Marcella brings extensive professional, pedagogical and artistic experience to the classical training and development of young dancers.
Alison Bird
Master of Arts in Dance Studies (EQF/MQF Lvl 7)
MATESOL
LISTD
Alison originally trained in her home town of Southampton followed by three years training at London College of Dance. Having come to Malta she taught at the Tanya Bayona Academy of Ballet, followed by sixteen years at College of Dance.
Alison then taught ballet, modern and tap at Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire. During her time in Malta Alison has performed and choreographed both locally and overseas.
Meanwhile, Alison read for two master’s degrees one in Dance Studies, followed by one in English. She has taught English as a foreign language and now teaches English at secondary level.
Alison is very much looking forward to teaching ballet again at the Dance Conservatoire as dance has always been close to her heart and she welcomes the opportunity to share this love.
Svetlana Silina
Ballet & Spanish Dance Teacher
A.I.S.T.D. (London)
Diploma Profesora de Baile (SDS) Diploma Teacher of Choreographic Discipline (TCD)
MGUK Russian organiser SDS
International Examiner (Spanish Dance Society)
Svetlana Silina is an Examiner with The Spanish Dance Society and Head of Spanish Dance at JCDC, bringing over three decades of teaching, performance and choreographic experience to her work.
She received her classical ballet training in Moscow, studying for ten years under distinguished teachers including former Bolshoi Ballet graduates Lubov Jakunina and Alexandre Prokoviev. She later graduated from Moscow University, qualifying as a Classical Ballet Maître and teacher of Russian Folk Dance, before combining teaching with extensive performance experience throughout Russia.
Since relocating to Malta in 1996, Svetlana has established herself as a highly experienced educator in Classical Ballet and Spanish Dance. She has headed Spanish Dance at the Malta Drama & Music Centre since 2004 and at JCDC since 2017.
Svetlana holds Associate status with the ISTD Cecchetti Faculty, together with IdB (I), IdB (II) and PdB qualifications from The Spanish Dance Society. As an Examiner, she contributes to the training and assessment of Spanish Dance students and teachers internationally.
At JCDC, Svetlana brings exceptional technical knowledge, cultural expertise and a deep commitment to Spanish Dance education.
Douglas Comley
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Performance Arts (EQF/MQF Lvl6)
Creative Arts Wales award winner Douglas Comley completed his studies at Middlesex University London with a BA Honours Performance Arts.
He began his professional dance career under the direction Nigel Charnock (DV8) for Nexus Dance. He then went onto working as a performer with companies including Vincent Dance Theatre, Attik Dance, Daghdha Dance and projects for Lighthouse Theatre and National Dance Company of Wales (Diversions).
Whilst in Wales he lectured at Gower College of further Education and directed Dynion Male Dance Theatre and The County Youth Dance Company.
Throughout this period he was involved in the design, choreography and implementation of several large-scale opening ceremony events including Rugby World Cup, Commonwealth Games and World Gymnaestrada.
Douglas currently works in Malta with Opening Doors Association, Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire, Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre, Malta Dementia Society and Theatre Anon.
Renee Saliba
​IdB1 (Instructor de Baile 1)
​Spanish Teacher and Ballet Teaching Assistant
Renee Saliba started her classical ballet training in 1994 at the age of four.
In 1997, she joined the Central Academy of Ballet where she continued to train under the direction of Monique Pellegrini Petit and Mireille Coleiro.
Her love for dancing led her to take up Spanish Dancing in 2000 under the direction of Svetlana Silina always achieving excellent results within all her examinations with the Spanish Dance Society. Her passion for Spanish Dancing has led her to achieve her IdB1 (Instructor de Baile 1) in 2016.
In 2017 she joined the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire where her studies have continued. She is currently studying to obtain her Advanced 2 in the Cecchetti Method and other qualifications with the ISTD as well as working towards obtaining her IdB2 with the Spanish Dance Society.​
During the years she has performed in numerous dance performances including Alice in Wonderland (2023), The Sleeping Beauty (2015), A mid-summer’s Night Dream (2014), The Nutcracker (2012), Don Quixote (2010) and Dance Power 2 (2003) amongst others.
She has also choreographed a number of dances performed at various shows and TV productions such as Ohloq Tbissima whilst also performing herself.
Krista Vella
BA Commerce Degree (EQF/MQF Lvl 6)
ISTD Advanced Cecchetti Ballet (EQF/MQF Lvl 4)
ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Lvl 3)
Krista started training at a young age and joined the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire at the age of 9.
Since then, Krista participated in various JCDC events and productions, some of which include Pinocchio, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella. She also took part in national events and the President's Annual Concerts.
Krista earned her ISTD Advanced Cecchetti Ballet (EQF/MQF Level 4) and ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Level 3).
She is an assistant teacher and is in the process of obtaining her DDE Teaching Status in Classical Ballet.
She has also graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Malta (EQF/MQF Level 6).
She will also be reading for a Masters in Accountancy throughout this year.
She is excited to complete her teaching qualification and to be part of the JCDC faculty to pass on her passion for dance to the younger generation at JCDC.
Jade Lavarone
Teching qualification (SABOD) with IEB Dance Studies
Pursuing a degree in Psychology
Jade Lavarone is a South African dancer and qualified dance teacher (SABOD), with over 15 years of training across Contemporary, Modern, Hip-Hop and Commercial Dance. She also holds IEB Dance Studies and is currently studying Psychology at the University of Malta.
Jade has pursued international training at leading studios, including Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, and has worked with choreographers including Anze Skrube and Hamilton Evans. Her performance and competition experience spans international events including World of Dance Portugal, DanceStars Croatia and the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the USA, where she competed as both a soloist and team performer.
Alongside her dance career, Jade is passionate about working with young people and using dance to build confidence, creativity and a sense of community. In South Africa, she taught dance to underprivileged children through community initiatives, combining her experience as a dancer and educator with a strong commitment to youth development.
At JCDC, Jade brings her experience in contemporary and commercial styles together with an energetic and supportive approach to teaching.
Emma Vella
Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Law
Diploma level 1 and 2 Coaching Courses
Qualified Gymnastics Judge
Emma Vella is a 19-year-old Bachelor of Laws student with four years of experience gymnastics coaching.
She has successfully completed both Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses and is also a qualified gymnastics judge after finishing a judging course. Emma began her gymnastics journey at the age of 7, and although she no longer competes, she is dedicated to sharing her valuable experiences by educating and inspiring young gymnasts.
Teaching Assistants
Klara Vassallo
BA (Hons.) Maltese (EQF/MQF Lvl 6)
ISTD Advanced Cecchetti Ballet (EQF/MQF Lvl 4)
ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Lvl 3)
Klara Vassallo began her ballet training at the age of three and has since developed a broad background in dance, performance and the arts. She has performed in numerous JCDC productions and festivals, including (arti)kolazzjonijiet, Alice in Wonderland and the Malta International Arts Festival.
She is currently training towards her ISTD Advanced 2 Cecchetti Ballet qualification (EQF/MQF Level 4) and has completed ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Level 3). Klara is an Assistant Teacher at JCDC and also teaches Maltese and Performing Arts at the Mediterranean College of Sport.
Alongside dance, Klara holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Maltese from the University of Malta and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Maltese. An award-winning poet, she won the Doreen Micallef National Poetry Contest and published her first collection, ħoss ħsejjes, in 2022.
Her wider experience in theatre, literature and the performing arts brings an interdisciplinary perspective to her teaching, combining a passion for education with a strong appreciation of artistic expression.
Odette Pulis Hopkins
ISTD Advanced Cecchetti Ballet (EQF/MQF Lvl 4)
ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Lvl 3)
Spanish Dance Society Intermediate Flamenco Dance
Odette Pulis Hopkins began her training with the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire at a very young age.
She has since taken part in various school events and productions, some of which include La Sylphide, La Bayadere, Pinocchio, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella. Odette also participated in various local and international competitions. She has performed at the Ariston San Remo, Italy, and took part in choreographies created by JCDC as part of the International Arts & Dance Festivals.
Odette earned her ISTD Advanced Cecchetti Ballet (EQF/MQF Level 4), ISTD Intermediate Modern Theatre (EQF/MQF Level 3) and Spanish Dance Society Intermediate Flamenco Dance.
She is a teaching assistant at the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire, working to obtain her DDE Teaching Status in Classical Ballet.
Alongside her career in dance, Odette graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (EQF/MQF Level 6) at the University of Malta and is now a registered nurse.
She has also obtained a diploma as a Beauty Specialist and Laser Therapist, further expanding her professional expertise in the health and aesthetics field.
RESIDENT PIANIST
Maria Attard
Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
ATCLPianist
Maria (B.A Hons, ATCL) started taking piano lessons at the age of 6 under the tuition of the late Ms. Dorselle Mifsud Bonnici.
She continued her music studies at A Level at GF Abela Junior College, where she joined the JC orchestra and took part in over 100 concerts, both national and international.
​At the University, she studied under the tuition of Prof. Michael Laus and Dr Hans-Jürgen Nagel, with Piano performance as her main subject.
She graduated with honours in B.A. (Hons) in Music Studies. Today, Maria is Malta's only full-time ballet pianist at Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire, where she accompanies both syllabus and open classes.
She is also a piano teacher and works with Malta's national dance company, Zfin Malta.
