Bermuda this weekend to begin preparations for a summer tour.

The team -- Ane Elbirk from Denmark, Lindsey Schulz from Nebraska, Kristie Clark and Lisa Brockie from Canada, and Jennifer Nash from Colorado -- will be working out of the Chamber of Commerce.

They will begin the task of finding host families to house their 45 cast members during their stay in Bermuda in May.

They will also be responsible for coordinating 12 days of locally sponsored community service projects.

Each day will be sponsored by the following businesses: Ace Limited, Belco, Bank of Bermuda, Bank of Butterfield, Butterfield and Vallis, Centre Reinsurance, the Department of Youth and Sport, Esso, the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, the National Drug Commission, Oil Insurance, and Cable and Wireless.

"I feel vary lucky to be able to spend eight weeks in Bermuda,'' said Ane Elbirk.

"It is my first time here and I cannot wait to explore the Island!'' Lindsey Schulz, who also took a year off to travel with the cast, said: "Since we left Denver in July, we have travelled to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden! I have learned a lot about these countries and have started to get used to living out of a suitcase.'' Up With People will perform their newest musical production at Dockyard on May 9 -- Mother's Day -- beginning at 3 p.m.

The 75-minute performance is free and open to everyone.

Cast members -- ranging from 18 to 25 years old and representing 12 nations -- will perform songs and dances from all over the world.

They will give a sneak preview of the show at the first Harbour Nights of the 1999 season on May 5. The event will be sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda.

Local families interested in hosting cast members can call 295-0300.