In 2019, from 29 March to 15 July, Malta hosted the Ballet and Dance Project organised by the Jewels Ballet Theatre and the European Foundation for Support of Culture. The aim of the project was to open up rising ballet stars to the general public, to give young performers an opportunity to demonstrate not only their impeccable technique, but also their dramatic talent, to present a rich heritage of classical ballet and the best examples of modern choreography.
Within the framework of the project, qualifying competitions were held for young dancers aged 11–16, where 35 artists were selected. The students took part in master classes by famous choreographers from the leading theatres of Europe, studied dance programme, took lessons in theatrical and vocal skills, as well as French language lessons.
The dance programme involving young dancers and specially invited ballet stars was followed by the premiere of the adaptation of the play to the Sleeping Beauty music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, which, in the Maltese version, was called Awakened Beauty. The solo roles of the Prince and the Beauty were performed by the best students according to the results of the educational programme. The performance took place on 15 July at the Valletta Campus Theatre, accompanied by live music – violin and cello. In order to convey the fairytale atmosphere of the performance, the Maltese masters made exclusive costumes and scenery. All participants in the programme received certificates of successful completion, as well as memorable prizes.