BAM! HERE I AM

UNDINE LAVERVE SHARES HER PASSION FOR THE ART OF BURLESQUE, AND INVITES EVERYONE TO TRY A LESSON, SEE A SHOW OR HEAR A TALK ON THE SUBJECT.

Burlesque is a performance art that originated in the early 19th century. It has since evolved and can be described as a combination of satire, theatre and dance, with elements of comedy and cabaret which pokes fun at stereotypes and archetypes. Its purpose is to entertain more than anything else! It is an empowering form of self-expression for its performers – one which allows them to tap into their creative side and re-invent themselves in whatever way they choose.

“My mum made sure I was well-versed in all things artistic. She took me to the theatre and opera from the age of 2 and 3 respectively, and she made sure I tried out all sorts of activities including singing, acting, dancing, painting, horse-riding, you name it! At the age of 17, I was looking for something to focus on and really get into - a passion I could put my energies into, something to learn and grow with and enjoy for the foreseeable future.

I met a Canadian woman, Liv Yorsten who gave Burlesque classes and having tried a few of her lessons, I absolutely fell in love with the art. Liv left Malta and I immersed myself in the scene, heading to New York to watch as many shows as I could. Over time, I developed my own style, look and stage presence, and started building on what I had learnt.

I love creating looks and one is completely different from another; these are personas, you create them with make-up and lavish costumes usually with a vintage or retro twist – and use lingerie and layers to create the effect and enable the show to tell a story.

Whilst the art has a particular reputation, those who come to see shows aren’t coming for titillation; the show, the dance, and the journey are ‘liberating,’ sassy, coquettish and certainly tongue in cheek. It’s inclusive and we welcome everyone to explore it. I like to say it’s the tease without the sleaze.

I have built up quite a reputation and now also give talks and presentations on "Empowerment and the art of Burlesque" and "The Philosophy of Sensuality." It has been a fascinating and fun journey for the past 13 years, and BAM here I am. This month Undine LaVerve is performing in Berlin, Prague and has a show in Malta at the Cavern Speakeasy in Msida, on 31st March and 1st April.

BAM: I opened the Burlesque Academy Malta to create a safe space where everyone can be themselves; to promote self-love, body confidence and empower all by motivating them to get in touch with one's own sensuality. The art also encourages freedom of expression through movement.

Bam Schedule

Classes are held twice a week on Mondays and Thurdays and run for 60-90 minutes. Beginners are welcome. We offer fun "one off" Burlesque workshops for groups of friends, colleagues and those who just want to give it a try! Email us to book burlesqueacademyofmalta@gmail.com facebook.com/burlesqueacademymalta

Amazing Maltese Women

A celebration of incredibly courageous, resilient Maltese women who followed their heart and let no one dampen their determination. It is in comic-style with beautiful ink and watercolour illustrations. Even the team behind the book is an all-women team: written by Kristina Chetcuti, illustrated by Marisa Attard and designed by Faye Paris.

Available from local bookstores or via www.merlinpublishers.com

COMBINING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITH A HUMANITARIAN APPROACH: REGINA EGLE LIOTTA CATRAMBONE

ONLINE:

Facebook: @MOAS | IG: @moas_eu | Twitter: @moas_eu

Regina is the co-founder and director of the international humanitarian organisation MOAS-Migrant Offshore Aid Station, founded in 2014. Regina believes that entrepreneurs can play a relevant role in solving humanitarian crises through innovation and creativity, with an eye to how to react in the most efficient way. In Malta, MOAS operates several programs to promote the integration and self-sufficiency of refugees and asylumseekers, including the Family Hosting & Sponsorship project, the Remote Learning Project, and English lessons for beginners.

Lily Agius Gallery

VENUE: Green Shutters Pop-Up, 27, Triq San Tumas, Floriana

CONTACT:

+356 9929 2488 info@lilyagiusgallery.com

ONLINE: www.lilyagiusgallery.com

Lily Agius is a Malta-based curator from London, who has established a strong and loyal following from her many exhibitions, presenting emerging and established artists from Malta and various countries over the last 15 years. Together with the art gallery, Lily Agius Gallery, that she ran for 12 years, Agius has created a quarterly magazine presenting contemporary art and design called The Malta Artpaper, and has recently moved to a pop-up space in Floriana before opening a new space close-by to showcase local and international art and design later this year. The London Artpaper will be launched this June.

MSPCA

CONTACT: info@maltaspca.org

ONLINE: www.maltaspca.org/

Over the past few years here at MSPCA, various challenges have thrown us out of our comfort zone; needing to re-think, re-define and re-structure our identity as a shelter and improve our impact on Animal Welfare in Malta. The MSPCA has always been predominantly run by women, reaching out to a part of society which often gets forgotten. If you would like to support our animals, visit our MSPCA charity shops in Sliema and San Ġwann or contact us via Facebook or Instagram, or sponsor one of our residents through our website listed above.

WORDS FRANCESCA FENECH CONTI