The National Dance Foundation's 2008 DanceBermuda 2008 summer intensive is now underway at the Bermuda High School for Girls dance facilities. Seventy students are participating in the three-week session, supported by ten faculty and 13 Bermudian staff members and volunteers. The programme will continue through August 22, when it will conclude with two finale workshop performances at City Hall theatre.

Now in its fourth year, DanceBermuda is designed to bring the best of the ballet world to the Island in order to enhance the local dancers' training, artistic and technical skills. It provides training for two groups of students: a young dancer programme for ages eight to 12, and an intensive programme for students ages 13 and above. Participants undergo an initial assessment on day one, and are placed in classes based on their individual training needs.

Throughout the programme, the aspiring dancers gain exposure to and benefit from the diversity and talent of some of the best instructors, dancers and choreographers of the American Ballet Theatre. The classes also allow them to meet and work with their peers from around the world in a creative, nurturing environment.

DanceBermuda is proud to note that Bermudians Sophie Cannonier, Michael Watson and Jacqueline Mayor, a DanceBermuda alumnus, have also joined this year's faculty. Miss Cannonier and Mr. Wadson teach Pilates, while Miss Mayor is teaching Latin dance. Yves Paul, a 14-year Bermuda resident and local fitness expert, worked with the young students initially to instill in them a better appreciation of their body's ability to move and stabilise.

On August 22, the public can see for themselves the high calibre of talent which DanceBermuda attracts, and the impressive progress the students have made when finale workshop performances are held at City Hall theatre at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets ($8) will be available on line at www.boxoffice.bm from August 21 and at City Hall box office one hour before each performance.