Bermuda's young dance students need to be more exposed to outside influences if they are to realise their true potential, says an Ailvin Ailey and Philadanco company teacher who has been holding dance classes in Bermuda.

Pat Thomas, who worked with the late, great Martha Graham and has since taught her modern dance technique around the world, was invited here by her former pupil, United Productions' Suzette Harvey, to conduct a series of classes at her Hamilton studio.

"I have really enjoyed working with the students here,'' she said at the end of her stay. "I found them to be open, receptive and anxious to have as much input as possible. I think they need more outside influences as I feel there is a lack of exposure here. I feel very honoured to bring something of my experience which they so desperately wanted.'' Ms Thomas, who is also head of the modern dance department at Howard University, has taught the `Graham' technique for many years at the University of Arts in Philadelphia -- which is where she met Suzette Harvey. Ms Thomas has also taught extensively in Israel, Senegal, Taiwan and worked with the avant-garde Maurice Bejart Ballet in Brussels.

"At the moment, I am giving classes for the Ailey company. When they go to Philadelphia and Washington, I always give them the `company class','' she explains. Expressing the hope that she can return to work with United Productions, Ms Thomas says she is also pursuing the idea of asking other teachers "who could add something to Suzette's school'' to visit here to teach. "In fact,'' she laughed, "I am quite dedicated to that idea!'' She reveals that this summer, there are plans to take some of the school's younger students to the University of Philadelphia for special courses in ballet, jazz and modern dance. "I am trying to instil the sense of urgency of making the most of every moment of their lives, I want them to feel that every day can be better than their best!'' Stating her belief that Suzette Harvey is "on the right track'' the well-known teacher says her aim is "to help her school as much as I possibly can, both personally and by sending other dance experts here to teach Bermuda's young people.'' UNITED CLASS -- Former Alvin Ailey Company teacher Pat Thomas teaches a class at Suzette Harvey's United Production Dance Studios.