Bermudian Alana Furbert is one of several persons from around the globe participating in the 2009 Up With People (UWP) tour.

The 19-year-old former CedarBridge student was inspired to sign up by her mother JuneAnn, who had taken part in a UWP tour in 1969.

"I guess knowing all the places she got to see, the friends she made and the culture she experienced made me think this was an opportunity I didn't want to let slip through my fingers," said Alana, who was in Texas at the time of her interview with The Royal Gazette.

"My mom always talked about Up With People and how it had changed her life for the better. From a young age I watched all the Up With People videos. I watched them so much I knew all the songs and the order of the show."

The experience has been an enriching one for the Hamilton Parish resident and has allowed her to make friends from around the globe.

"I have friends from China, Amsterdam, Denmark, Belgium, Slovakia, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Canada, and of course from all over America," she said.

"It has impacted my life a whole lot. I have become calmer when dealing with situations. I have become independent and more responsible. I can talk in front of people and not be nervous.

"I also realise that there are more places than Bermuda and there are also a lot of opportunities out there that can be very interesting."

The tour began January 9 and ends after the Bermuda show.

Performing on Bermuda soil means lots to her.

"First and foremost [it's about] being able to see my friends and loved ones," she said. "Also to be able to do community service that will impact my community, to do the show and allow people to see my talent, and what I've been doing for the last six months."

Mrs. Furbert became involved with UWP after seeing their 1969 performance in Bermuda.

"I was a radio announcer at VSB at the time and had the chance to interview some of the members," she said.

"After I saw the show, I was really excited and knew this was something I would want to be involved with. I took an interview before they left the Island and within one month I was accepted and left the next month, which was August 1969."

Mrs. Furbert, the guest services manager and social director at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, left Bermuda at the age of 19 and returned when she was 24, in 1975.

"Even though it was initially a one-year programme, I was invited back as a staff member after my first tour, and assumed the role of 'dance captain' and public relations officer," she added.

"When I realised Alana was blessed with the gift of dance, I always had the hope that she might be able to have the opportunities that were presented to me.

"I had often hoped for the opportunity for her to travel and see more of the world and what it is all about."