James Auditorium kicked off this week.

The school's 700 students, including 50 male dancers, will perform at least once during the four performances which wrap up on July 1.

Dancers aged four through 40 will perform ballet, tap, modern, jazz, African dance and hip hop.

Funds from the Bank of Bermuda sponsorship have enabled UDP to offer free master classes to some of the student body.

Master classes allow both teachers and students to be taught and challenged by experienced international dance professionals.

Nathan Trice, a professional independent teacher and artist from New York, has been conducting master classes for the past several weeks and is creating the choreography for the recital along with other UDP teachers.

"All the students and teachers that have had the opportunity to be taught by Nathan have been affected in a very positive way, particularly the boy's technique class.'' said Suzette Harvey, UDP co-founder.

"Nathan has been a great inspiration to our young male dancers. Our boys have been able to see the strengths that a professional dance background can bring to your life.'' Bank of Bermuda events and promotions officer Karen Madeiros added: "Many organisations play an important role in educating and enriching our community through exhibitions, programmes and concerts such as these.

"We are pleased to support these initiatives. Dance is another way for people to express themselves and we are delighted to be supporting this recital. We are looking forward to an exciting performance and we wish all the students the very best of luck.'' Performances will take place at 7.30 p.m. and tickets are on sale at the UDP office on Court Street on today and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from today, tomorrow and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students.