Young Maltese dance partners Airam Abela and Mia Mifsud achieved four top-four finishes at the 2026 Empire Open Dance Festival in Jersey City.
Airam, 12, and Mia, 11, competed across both ballroom and Latin categories, securing their highest placing in the Ballroom Under-16 competition, where they finished second.
The pair also achieved:
- Second place in Ballroom Under-16
- Third place in Ballroom Under-14
- Third place in Latin Under-14
- Fourth place in Latin Under-16
Competing In Jersey City
The 2026 Empire Open Dance Festival was held at The Westin Jersey City Newport.
The main competition took place from 29 July to 2 August, following a three-day dance camp held from 26 to 28 July.
Airam and Mia’s four finishes are particularly notable as they competed across both ballroom and Latin disciplines, as well as the Under-14 and Under-16 age categories.
International Success Before Empire Open
The young dancers already have several international achievements behind them.
Representing Malta, Airam and Mia won both the Open World Juvenile Under-12 Ballroom Championship Restricted Syllabus and the equivalent Latin championship in 2024.
Their latest results in New Jersey mark another important milestone as they continue competing internationally and progress into higher age categories.
Teachers Thanked After The Competition
The dancers’ team thanked Lisa Marie, Rossella Scerri De Carlo, Denzil Scerri De Carlo, Martina Camilleri and Keane Scerri De Carlo for supporting the pair throughout their preparation.
Airam and Mia’s four top-four finishes represent another strong international achievement for the young Maltese dancers.
