An exciting competition for Bermudian dancers has been launched, with the lucky winner headed to California for the season finale of 'So You Think You Can Dance'.

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) is offering two tickets to see the Emmy Award-winning programme at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles next month.

The competition is open to Bermudian dancers of all ages.

Dancers must complete a routine created by SYTYCD husband and wife hip hop choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D'Umo, and submit their performance to the NDFB.

A panel chaired by Dame Jennifer Smith, a member of the Foundation's honorary board, will judge the routines.

The top three entries will be posted on the NDFB website for voting by the public.

The entry receiving the most votes will win two tickets to the Thursday, August 12 finale of SYTYCD, plus airfare and hotel accommodation.

The winning entry will be announced on Monday, August 9.

Mr. and Mrs. D'Umo's routine has been created to encourage participation in National Dance Day, which is being observed in the United States on Saturday, July 31 by the Dizzy Feet Foundation. A non-profit organisation, it was established by SYTYCD co-creator and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

Similar competitions are being held around the world in support of National Dance Day however it is believed the NDFB is the only organisation offering free tickets to the show.

"We are delighted to support Nigel Lythgoe and National Dance Day," NDFB chairman Don Kramer said. "We were so appreciative of the time he took earlier this year to come to Bermuda and host our annual fund-raising gala. We saw first-hand his unwavering commitment to dance and dance education, and are thrilled with the relationship we have established with him and with the Dizzy Feet Foundation. We are hoping Bermudian dancers will take part in this contest, demonstrating the talent we have here on the Island and our commitment to dance in all its forms."

Equally delighted with the NDFB's support of National Dance Day is Mr. Lythgoe, who said: "I was very impressed with what I saw in Bermuda in March when I visited auditions for DanceBermuda. It is clear that Bermudians understand the power that dance has to make a positive impact on the lives of young people."

Dancers will find the required routine at ww.dizzyfeetfoundation.org The music is Flo Rida's 'Club Can't Handle Me', which is available on iTunes. Full contest rules are available at www.dancebermuda.org. The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Time on Monday, August 2, 2010.