Paul Malek is one of the most highly regarded Directors, Choreographers and Educators in Australia.
With a passion for education, self-empowerment and artistic innovation; he inspires many individuals, businesses and communities to strive towards becoming the greatest version of themselves possible whilst nurturing artistic development and professional growth.
Trained in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, his performing career saw him tour the world through 5 continents as dancer, dance captain, rehearsal director and company manager all before the age of 26.
Returning to Australia in 2006, he became an avid entrepreneur, creating businesses such as Collaboration the Project (2008 – 2014), responsible for events such as UNDERGROUND Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, DANCE CHAT and DANCE CHAT LIVE, Project Y (youth dance company) and over 16 professional production seasons and tours.
Paul Malek is the original Founder and Director of popular Melbourne Dance Institute MAPA Australia (2006 – 2011), and was also the co-director of BOOM Media, a Marketing and Media Company, For Dancers by Dancers from (2011 – 2016).
Currently a choreographic regular on television, credits include Dancing with the Stars (2012- ongoing) and So You Think You Can Dance Australia (SE 3 & 4). Paul has been the choreographic brains of well over a hundred corporate events, award ceremonies, television commercials, music videos and dance festivals over the last two decades. Being awarded best choreography, best director and best producer at various festivals and award ceremonies during this time.
In 2015, Malek founded Transit Dance, and currently resides as Artistic Director of Transit Dance Company and oversees the immense output of performance platforms and educational opportunities created from within their state-of-the-art dance and performance precinct in Brunswick, Victoria.
During his day to day commitments at Transit Dance, he is also a highly sought-after Host and Inspirational Speaker, speaking at many corporate events, conventions and festivals not only in Australia but across the globe.
On top of this, Malek is a passionate dance photographer and is the resident photographer at Transit Dance. He has also collaborated with many independent artists and companies such as Stephanie Lake Company and Project Animo.