In 1972, thanks to the vision of Bermudian dancer Patricia Deane Gray, the Bermuda Civic Ballet was founded, and formalised a year later as a registered charity when Dorothea King, Dr. Stanley Ratteray, Elspeth Gibson, William Nelson, Kitten Ellison, Beattie Stott, (now Sir) John Swan, Dr. Marjorie Bean, John White, Herman Leseur and Diana Diel successfully petitioned Parliament, and the Bermuda Civic Ballet Act, 1973 was passed.

Under the Act, the purposes of the Civic Ballet were "to foster interest in ballet, and to provide a medium through which all persons so interested may participate by dancing or otherwise in the production of shows".

The newly-formed ballet organisation lost no time in making its presence felt, first with the staging of 'Devil in the Village', and then hosting two dance workshops by way of affirming its commitment to the training of young dancers, and preparing them for furture local and overseas performances.

From then on, with the exception of the years 1994, 1996 and 1998, the Civic Ballet has staged performances every year. Many featured internationally renowned dancers, choreographers and producers, all of whom contributing significantly to its proud, 35-year history.

In 1978 Bermuda dancers participated in the International Festival of Youth Orchestras in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Mrs. Deane Gray, MBE, founder of the School of Russian Ballet, danced in and choreographed some of the earlier productions. Today, she is a trustee of the Civic Ballet.

The company's first outdoor production was 'Giselle' in 1990, and over the years many top-ranked dancers and choreographers from abroad have contributed to the registered charity's success.

The Civic's tradition of training young dancers continues, with international teachers providing its members with exceptional exposure to the world of dance. Among them, Madame Tatiana Legat of the Kirov Ballet in Russia and now with the Boston Ballet, conducted workshops from 2000-2002; Ilonja Dierl and Shawn Mahoney who danced with the Civic several times, taught in 2003; Teresa Randall of Canada's National Ballet taught ballet in 2004 and 2006, while Marianna Tsartolia and Brian Flynn, of the Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre in New York, taught modern dance in 2005 and 2006.

"It all means that, during the last 35 years, the Bermuda Civic Ballet has consistently, and without interruption worked hard to produce dance in Bermuda," director Mrs. Coral Waddell says.

Reflecting on the Civic's rich history, Mrs. Waddell acknowledges that it has taken "a lot of time and energy on the part of dancers, choreographers and parents, and a lot of very generations donations from private and corporate citizens" to make the 35 years possible.

"We have been very fortunate to have some wonderful dancers and choreographers, who are eager to share their knowledge, to come and participate in our performances, and this year is no exception," she says, adding that the sharing of knowledge is one of the Civic's most valuable assets.

The director also pays tribute to Mrs. Deane Gray's invaluable role as the founder and trustee of the organisation.

"I would like to acknowledge and thank her for having the vision to create such a vehicle for all and any dancers on the Island," she says.

She also hopes that more dancers will take advantage of "all the wealth and experience which is right at their fingertips", and extends "a very big thank-you" to all of the volunteers for their invaluable contributions in the many spheres necessary to mount a production - from making costumes, to building and painting sets,and manning the box office, as well as stage crews, production managers and more.

"I hope they all know how much their help has been needed, and very much appreciated," she says.

Finally, Mrs. Waddell thanks the audiences for their faithful support down through the years, as well as those who will be attending for the first time this year.

"I hope those who are just finding out about us will enjoy (the production)."