United Dance Production is set to wow audiences as they prepare to undergo a complete "Metamorphosis''.

The show, which starts tomorrow, will feature the talents of local dancers and international choreographers.

And a few guest dancers, including Mikey Courtney, Rashan Jackson, Tara Pasquarello and Carl (Dougie) Sanders from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, will perform.

UDP founder Suzette Harvey said this year's show was entitled "Metamorphosis'' to reflect the dance company's current phase of growth and development.

"My long-term goal is to enable the students and teachers to be trained by the leading dance experts of the world. This type of training would enhance Bermudian dancers' opportunities to become professional both here and abroad,'' said Ms Harvey.

This year's programme reflects a move toward that goal -- the Bank of Bermuda offered sponsorship to UDP this year which allowed them to bring choreographers from abroad.

The works of these choreographers, including Philadanco's Hope Boykin, Kevin Malone and Hollie Wright who some may remember from UDP's 1997 performance "Fusion'', were developed during Master Classes held last year November and December.

"We're a grass roots company. .. we used to have rehearsals in my mother's back yard because we had no space,'' said Ms Harvey.

"As the dancers became more professional and as Bermudians became more sophisticated travelling abroad to see lots of performances, we felt the choreography had to become more challenging,'' she added.

In an effort to help realise her goal of producing professional dancers, Ms Harvey said UDP had been projected to the next level where there was more competition between company members -- so dancers were encouraged to sharpen each other like steel on steel.

Although she didn't want to give away too much about the upcoming show, Ms Harvey said there was "something in it for everyone'' including a few old favourites and "new, uplifting, exciting'' pieces.

"We've definitely developed a great deal even during the past year... we've allowed the dancer's talents to be brought forward in duets and solos, and we're attempting to bring the whole presentation in line with the rest of the world,'' said Ms Harvey.

And Ms Harvey said the company was looking for a new space, since the studio was literally bursting at the seams -- the company has swelled from teaching less than 20 students to its current numbers, close to 600.

Bank of Bermuda's Events and Promotions Officer Karen Madeiros stated: "Dance is an excellent way for people to express themselves. We are delighted to be supporting this concert and look forward to an exciting performance.'' The show will be at City Hall Theatre on May 13 to 16. Show-time is 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the City Hall box office until Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 295-9933.