Hall theatre tomorrow under the Fringe Festival 2001 banner, audiences can expect to be treated to an evening of original, innovative and dynamic works which will challenge them and the dancers alike.

Entitled "Airwaves,'' the programme will feature a mixture of contemporary modern and jazz, and improvisational pieces.

"I like to challenge local audiences and show them that, while classical technique is very important, there are other dance forms which are also entertaining,'' director/choreographer/dancer Miss Lizz Pimentel explains.

In fact, innovation has always been a hallmark of the Concepts in Motion dance ensemble, which was formed in 1999 in cooperation with the In Motion School of Dance, of which Miss Pimental is the owner and director, and where she also teaches.

"Everything we present is very cutting edge,'' she says of the ensemble's work. "We're just trying to be different.'' Part of that goal will include some of the dancers beginning the evening's entertainment on the steps of City Hall as guests mingle in the lobby.

Initially, Concepts in Motion was formed to challenge advanced level students both choreographically and in terms of public performances. Noting that the dancers had previously been limited to one or two performances a year, Miss Pimentel said she felt it was important for them to work with various choreographers and styles of choreography.

Consequently, the ensemble's repertoire always includes "new, interesting and very creative works which are very physical and very abstract and challenge both dancers and audiences'', says Miss Pimentel.

"Visual stimulation is very new to Bermuda,'' she explains of Concepts' aims.

"We present a lot of new ideas and a lot of improvisation. We also incorporate drama with very, very action-packed movement. There's never a dull moment.'' In addition to 23 dancers and Miss Pimentel, choreographers Cheryl Brennan, Irene Hasseler-Pimentel, Jennifer Soares, Linda Tee and improvisational dancer Andra Simons are also taking part in "Airwaves.'' Concepts in Motion, whom Miss Pimentel describes as "a lovely group with a close relationship between us'', is made up of both male and female dancers all of whom are also involved in every facet of putting on a show.

"They help out with ticket sales, rehearsals and things like that because I think it is important for them to realise just how much work is involved in a production,'' she explains.

Although the ensemble is a relatively young dance company, it is already a group on the move. Since its premier appearance in 1999, it has earned a reputation for outstanding performance levels, innovative choreography and training techniques, and has been invited to perform at many important events around the Island.

This is the second year in succession that the Department of Tourism has invited Concepts in Motion to participate in the Fringe Festival. Exempt company Partner Re is partially sponsoring this weekend's performances. Miss Pimentel is the owner of the In Motion School of Dance, where she also teaches.

Self-described as having "danced forever'', she danced in the United States for four years before deciding to return home and share with Bermuda what she had learned and experienced abroad. Miss Pimentel began teaching at a dance school, but decided to establish her own school so that she could "run it the way it ought to be run''.

Now, four years later, the school has over 400 students, all of whom are taught by fully qualified, professional teachers.

"I really owe (the school's success) to my wonderful staff,'' Miss Pimentel says. "We offer different, interesting classes, and really work hard to make it a warm environment where all of the students and teachers intermingle. '' "Airwaves'' is performed tomorrow and Saturday nights at City Hall theatre, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets ($30 for adults, $20 for students) are available at City Hall box office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and also at the door. For further information telephone Miss Pimentel at 292-7615.

Circle of Life: Dancers Chris Carreiro, Ty Barker, Rebecca Faulkenberry and Kim Harriott show the innovative form for which the Concepts in Motion ensemble are known. The quartet are among 23 dancers presenting the programme "Airwaves'' at City Hall Theatre tomorrow and Saturday nights. Photo courtesy of Lizz Pimentel