Tanya Bayona MQR FISTD (London) Enrico Cecchetti Diploma is a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London and holder of the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma. Following her early training in Malta with Princess Nathalie Poutiatine (1904 – 1984), Tanya undertook professional training in London, Rome, Paris and Russia.

Following her studies at the Nesta Brooking School (London), Tanya introduced the Cecchetti Method in classical ballet in Malta and established her school in 1965. Working extensively as a dancer and choreographer in films and musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof and No No Nanette, her choreographic work was showcased in both local and international festivals by her company, and within theatre and television productions. In 1981 Bayona amalgamated with Princess Poutiatine Academy of Ballet which became known as the ‘Tanya Bayona-Poutiatine Academy of Ballet’, which she directed until 2004. Several of her students now run some of the leading ballet schools on the island.

Bayona’s awards include: the Medal for Service to the Republic/Midalja Ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (MQR) for her life-long commitment to dance and ballet in Malta (2008); and the Enrico Cecchetti Gold Medal awarded at the Royal Ballet School, London (2009). Her current international engagements include: guest teaching, examining and adjudicating in Classical Ballet and Choreography. She also teaches Yoga. She is delighted to contribute to the forthcoming book on Poutiatine.