A dance troupe that drew rave reviews in Philadelphia, Washington, New York and Malaysia is set to entertain local audiences this weekend.

Although the troupe has never performed in Bermuda, the dancers are coming home - it is the Bermuda Dance Company (BDC).

Suzette Harvey - the company's artistic director - said the success of the group overseas is yet another example of artists having to prove themselves abroad before finding widespread acceptance locally.

The company formed a year ago and has spent the past 12 months travelling on the dance circuit.

BDC does not receive Government support and Ms Harvey said it is largely "surviving'' off funds from her local dance school - United Dance Productions. But she hopes that will change once audiences experience the performances which run tomorrow, Friday and Saturday night.

In addition to Ms Harvey and Kia Georges - whom she describes and her "right hand" - the company consists of 11 dancers, five of whom are Bermudian.

Ms Harvey said those who attend the shows at Ruth Seaton James auditorium will see a bona fide professional company at work.

"I really want people to understand the difference between this performance and a student recital," she said.

The style of dance patrons can expect is 'fusion modern', she said. All of the dancers are trained in both modern dance and ballet but elements of Hip Hop and other modern movements have been added to the mix.

"Modern dance is technically based but the dancers are allowed to move off centre and drop and release, in ballet, they can't do that," Ms Harvey said.

"It's very exciting, Bermuda Dance Company is really something fresh. We're trying to take things to another level."

The company hopes to eventually offer young dancers an avenue to continue their art as adults.

"I don't want them to think they have to stop at sixteen," said Ms Harvey.

Beyond the dancers however, in Ms Harvey's vision the company could open the doors for collaborations with many artists.

"This could be a very cool way to do it. Whether other artists want to paint a backdrop or hang a costume for us, it's all open," she said.

Tickets for the show are available at the Visitors' Service Bureau. Patrons tickets are $100 for the Thursday night performance and will include a black-tie gala.

Regular tickets are $35 per person.

All performances begin at 8 p.m.