French-born dancer and choreographer Pascal Rioult founded this dance company in 1991 in order to express his own artistic vision. Now, after just eight years, it has grown into a full-time production with nine dancers, a 32-week season, and a touring record that includes cities throughout Europe and North America.

Rioult, who graduated from the University of Paris with a Master's degree in Science Education, later secured a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture to study with modern dance legend Merce Cunningham in New York.

In 1986 he became a member of the acclaimed Martha Graham Dance Company, and embarked on his career as a choreographer. Among other highlights, Rioult was invited to set two of his works for the Martha Graham Dance Company during its seasons at the prestigious City Center Theater in New York City.

From a repertoire of 18 works created by founder/artistic director Rioult, the company will present "Aurora; Home Front; The Oak and the Reed;'' and "Wien'' (Vienna) during its Bermuda performances.

Rioult will dance in "Aurora,'' which was first performed at the Joyce Theatre in New York on January 21, 2000, as was "Home Front.'' "The Oak and the Reed,'' featuring eight short dances based on the parables of Jean de la Fontaine, was first performed in 1997 at the Florence Gould Hall in New York, while "Wien'' debuted at the Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse in New York in 1995.

"Wien'' is described as "a fantastic and fatal swirling of tragic dimensions, danced to Ravel's "La Valse.'' Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre starts at 8 p.m. each night. For information visit the Festival box office next to the ferry terminal on Front Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or 292-8572.

French Connection: Members of the Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre.