The Holy Mountain

[GeneChing]

China Daily posted 9 pics but only one shows any Kalari. The rest is rather standard Shaolin show stuff...

Shaolin monks perform Chinese Kung Fu in Malta
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-07 17:00

A Shaolin monk performs during the show "The Holy Mountain" at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta November 6, 2009. The performance by Shaolin monks from China and Kalari fighters from India showcases Chinese Kung Fu and Kalaripayattu - an ancient Indian form of training which combines the respiration technique of meditation and relaxation with physical training.

Only one pic in Times of Malta...

Monday, 9th November 2009
Shaolin monks awe the crowds

Two of the world's oldest martial arts schools, the Shaolin monks and the Kalari fighters joined forces at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta this weekend in three jaw-dropping shows, displaying almost superhuman physical skills and defying man's limitations. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi.

Two of the world's oldest martial arts schools united on stage for the first time this weekend in three jaw-dropping shows that fascinated audiences with the performers' almost superhuman physical skills.

The Shaolin monks from China, who have already been in Malta, united with the Kalari fighters from India for the show called the Holy Mountain.

The monks, who have trained their minds in such a way as to take complete control of their body, were joined by the Kalari fighters, who practise Kalaripayattu, considered one of the oldest existing martial art forms.

Dating back more than 2,000 years, Kalaripayattu is said to be the forerunner of the more popular Chinese martial arts, as Buddhist monk Bodhidharma took this knowledge from India to China.

Together, the two schools displayed spectacular stunts that have to be seen to be believed, with contorted bodies exercising immense strength and control.

The shows were held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta but martial artists also had the opportunity to be trained by the Shaolin monks during a master class open to the public yesterday.

[GeneChing]

Best of China’s Monasteries by the Shaolin Monks?

Maltese dancers get a shot at stardom
Maltese dancers wishing to follow in the footsteps of renowned international dancers will get a shot at stardom courtesy of Standing Ovations, the local organisers of blockbuster entertainment and shows such as Best of China’s Monasteries by the Shaolin Monks, Swan Lake On Ice by the St Petersburg State Ballet Theatre, Masters of Dirt by Fechter Management and the world’s best freestyle riders, The Holy Mountain by the Shaolin Monks & Masters of Kalaripayattu, and now Cinderella On Ice by the St Petersburg State Ballet Theatre.

Cinderella On Ice will be held between 9 and 10 January at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Standing Ovations will use over seven tonnes of ice to transform the stage into a grand ice arena especially for this event.

Standing Ovations is inviting all dancers of different genres throughout Malta and Gozo to audition for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance their dancing skills with a difference... on ice!

The chosen dancer will attend a three-day master class session in St Petersburg, Russia at the St Petersburg State Ballet Theatre. The prize includes the master class sessions, flights and insurance, transfers and full board accommodation.

The chosen applicant will be crowned Malta’s official Cinderella 2010 and will also be presented on a Maltese television station.

Local dancers interested in auditioning for this once in a lifetime opportunity are asked to send an e-mail to info@standingovations.com.mt with full details including age and a CV with a brief description of their dancing career. Closing date is 12 January.

Applicants will be contacted and asked to give a short demo in front of a panel of judges comprised of dance company instructors and choreographers from various dance genres.

The competition’s aim is to give young Maltese dancers who study and rehearse all year round an opportunity to attend the master class on ice at one of the world’s most renowned dance schools.

A Standing Ovations representative commented, “It’s quite a unique experience because it’s not often that a local dancer has the chance of working with internationally acclaimed artistes. This opportunity will also serve as a platform for emerging talents to be spotted by professional dance companies.”

The St Petersburg State Ballet Theatre On Ice has performed over 5,000 performances worldwide. Its 100 medal-winning skaters have also performed in such classics as Beauty and the Beast, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.

Cinderella On Ice is a unique version of the world famous Prokofiev ballet. In this magical production celebrating the romance and beauty of one of the world’s favourite fairytales, gnomes, fairies and beautiful ladies in luxurious ball gowns glide across the ice in a display of grace, agility and emotion.

For online bookings log in to bookings@mcc.com.mt or send an e-mail to info@mcc.com.mt. For further information regarding the event call 7955 7988.

Tickets can be purchased from The Mediterranean Conference Centre box office. Opening hours are from 10am to 1pm and from 5 to 7pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Reservations can also be made by calling 2559 5750/1 during box office hours stipulated above. For online bookings visit www.mcc.com.mt

Gozo Box Office opening hours are from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, tel. 2155 8266 or 7981 5541.

For further information on the event and special offers, visit www.cinderellaoniceinmalta.com, send a mail to info@standingovations.com.mt or call 79557988.