When dance students and teachers sign up for the first of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda’s (NDFB) ‘PartnerRe Master Class and Teacher Training series’ this weekend, they will be receiving instruction from leading master teachers at two of the most prestigious dance institutions: the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance and The Ailey School, both of New York.

Franco De Vita, principal of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet at American Ballet Theatre, Raymond Lukens, also of American Ballet Theatre, and Tracy Inman, co-director of the junior division at The Ailey School, will teach the three-day schedule of ballet and modern classes.

The first of the three-day PartnerRe Master Class and Teacher Training Series at the dance facilities of the Bermuda High School for Girls runs from Friday to Sunday.

The series will continue next year with a further two weekend master classes in January and April.

More than 350 Bermudian dancers, teachers and choreographers are expected to participate in these classes and workshops.

“We are indeed grateful to PartnerRe for making it possible for the National Dance Foundation to offer world class training to Bermuda’s dancers and teachers, free of charge,” NDFB chairman Don Kramer said.

“This means that any dance student or teacher who wants to study with some of the best instructors in the world can do so, right here in Bermuda.”

Patrick Thiele, president and CEO of PartnerRe, was similarly upbeat.

“PartnerRe supports various initiatives that enrich the local community,and this series represents a fusion of local talent, both adult and young and international influence. We hope that anyone with a passion for dance will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to study with Mr. De Vita, Mr. Lukens and Mr. Inman.”

Students and teachers interested in participating in the PartnerRe Master Class and Teacher Training Series should contact the NDFB at 236-3319, or visit the Foundation’s web site at www.dancebermuda.org

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, a registered charity and a company limited by guaranty, helps to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda by providing world-class training to the Island’s dancers, teachers and choreographers.