Festival has moved away from the classical music genre and is offering instead a complete contrast in form and mood with the current performances of Break, which opened last night and continues through Saturday.

Billed as a "funk spectacular,'' Break is a dance show filled with the moves that go beyond classical training -- pop locking, electric boogie, tap dancing, a capella hoofing, and thrilling spins.

Described as "the new sensation on the cutting edge of dance at the dawn of the 21st century'', Break promises a high-energy, eye-popping series of choreographic moves guaranteed to rock local audiences, as it has done on five continents.

The highly talented cast, which includes stars of music video, will take the audience on an unforgettable journey from the past to the future.

Opening next Monday, January 17, will be the long-awaited Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet for a four-night run. The presence of this world- renowned company in Bermuda is thanks to the generosity of the late arts benefactor, Mr. Paul Leperq, who lived here for many years. It was Mr. Leperq's close relationship with the company's general and artistic director, Vladimir Vasiliev, and his wife Yekaterina Maximova, both former principal dancers, that made this visit possible.

Two years in the planning, the Bolshoi's visit promises exceptional performances from the world of classical ballet in a programme which will include solos and pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides, Spatacus, Le Corsaire, Giselle and Swan Lake.

THEATRE THR