A video of two dancers dancing to Red Electrick pianist Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur’s latest composition ‘a song about loss’ has just been released. Titled Meet Me, the video explores the dynamics behind new encounters, and is a result of a creative collaboration between Maria Gauci, an inspirational young lady with Down Syndrome, and Kostas Papamatthaiakis.

This project is a result of Maria being awarded funding through Artivisti 2018, for which she was nominated by arts organisation Opening Doors. I speak to Rachel Calleja, Maria’s mentor and producer of the video, and Maria herself, to discover the details and motivation behind this production.

Rachel explains that Maria has been dancing since she was seven. “She was awarded the Artivisti funding programme which meant we could find more intensive opportunities for her dance training during 2018.” Rachel says that it is important for Maria to work creatively in her projects as well as having the opportunity to collaborate with other artists.

“For me, dance was always something I loved and was always part of me, ever since I was a little girl,” says Maria. “I train hard because it gives me a sense of satisfaction, I meet great people and obviously, it keeps me active!”

The video was filmed at Għar Ħassan on 2^nd December 2018. “When the creative team got together, we were looking for a place that was accessible. Maria really wanted the video to be shot next to the sea, and we also felt it was important that the area was relatively quiet and undisturbed.” And it made the perfect shooting location - so tranquil and peaceful.

Filmed by Karl Andrew Micallef, the video “explores the feelings you might experience when you meet somebody new,” explains Rachel. As we all know, there could be tension and awkwardness, but it can bring a whole range of situations and emotions with it, which Kostas and Maria explored together through movement tasks and improvisations. “I think Maria and Kostas' exploration of these themes was also very honest to their real situation of getting to know each other in the studio as two dance professionals, and the process and joy of them getting to know each other really comes through.”

“My message to everyone is that if you want to do something, don’t give up. Keep working towards your dream until you achieve your goals,” says Maria.  

WATCH the heart-warming video here: