Classical ballet, always a popular favourite with Bermuda Festival audiences, makes its debut tonight with the welcome return of Britain's celebrated Royal Ballet for three performances at City Hall.

Billed as 'Dance Forward with Principals and Soloists of The Royal Ballet', the Festival production is being presented by Andrew Ward, former soloist with The Royal Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the English National Ballet.

The programmes will feature some of the company's world-ranking stars, and also see the welcome return of principal dancer Marianela Nu[LCtilde-n]ez, first soloist Martin Haravey, and a former principal, Wayne Sleep. As he did for The Royal Ballet's 2003 Festival performances, Mr. Sleep will compere the evening and appear in two pieces. He will dance Ashton's 'Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum' and his own inspired creation, the 'Charlie Chaplin Pas de Trois'.

The Royal Ballet is renowned for its breathtaking technical mastery and powerful dramatic integrity, as well as its comprehensive repertoire, which encompasses everything from the great three-act classics to modern choreography, all of which the Festival programmes will reflect.

One work has been especially created for Bermuda by one of the company's most exciting young choreographers, Alistair Marriott, whose work has been featured on the main stage of the Royal Opera House and is currently causing quite a stir on the London dance scene.

Among the divertissements to be presented is Petipa's solo for the black swan in 'Swan Lake', and the balcony scene from 'Romeo and Juliet', as well as August Bournonville's 'Napoli'.

Originally scheduled to perform at the Ruth Seaton James Centre of the Performing Arts, rather than cancel its visit, The Royal Ballet has tailored its programme to the City Hall stage with the same promise that audiences can look forward to a wonderful evening of ballet.

For ticket availability and further information, visit the Festival box office adjacent to the ferry terminal building on Front Street between 12 noon to 2 p.m. daily; [tel] 296-5774 to book during box office hours, or visit website: www.bermudafestival.org.