BERMUDA'S reputation as a performing arts resource received a boost this summer.

The prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts accepted four local students into its intensive dance programme.

The group ? all students of the In Motion School of Dance ? spent five weeks at the American institution. Two studied ballet while the remaining two focused on modern dance.

Lizz Pimentel, director of the In Motion School of Dance, explained how the pupilage came about.

"We're always on the look-out for new opportunities for our students, our dancers ? especially those interested in taking it to the next level ? and four of our students auditioned this year," she said.

"It was the first time any of our students had done so. It's a very prestigious, very elite school."

The North Carolina School of the Arts offers high-school and college degrees in all areas of the performing arts. Its acclaimed School of Dance has trained young, talented dancers for careers in professional companies throughout the world since 1965.

"We were lucky enough to get four of our students in, which is quite an accomplishment for such a small school," Ms Pimentel said. "For one school to get that many students out there (to audition) and also to see them accepted, it's quite an accomplishment.

"We are so very proud of them. They went off. It was a good learning experience for them, and it was nice for us and also for Bermuda actually because, ultimately, their island is what they represent.

"Their teachers were very impressed with their technical level and how much they'd achieved at a young age and they were asked to audition for the school year next fall, something I think two or three of them are starting to consider." Dancers Krystal Smith, Courtney Lopes, Karissa Roberts and Tyler Barker participated in the programme. Mr. Barker, a full-time student at Florida's New World School of the Arts, is the only one no longer a student at In Motion. All appreciated the time spent there.

Said 14-year-old Miss Smith: "It was great meeting all the different people but the teachers were really, really strict."

The rest of her peers agreed, all saying they were encouraged by the experience.

"I didn't think I would be accepted," said Miss Roberts, 16, "but I wanted to experience college life before I left for college next fall. It was also a chance to see if I really wanted to go further in dance."

Miss Lopes, 14, said she was one of those inspired to try for a permanent place at the school mainly because "I learned a lot in a short space ? in five weeks".

According to Ms Pimentel, the growth was evident: "I had an opportunity to fly up for their last week there. I had the chance to go to their classes and meet with the staff.

"I was very impressed with all of them. They were performing at the highest level of class. Each class (is divided into) certain levels and they were all in the highest levels there. Also, they had really impressed the staff.

"They were at the front of the class. They had lead parts in the pieces that they did so that was a big accomplishment. I had been a little worried they were going to get lost in the background but they were there doing their stuff. It was fantastic."

The performance also served as a gauge for In Motion, she added.

"It helped us monitor where we are at In Motion. Are we doing well? Do we need to push more in this area? Should we push more in that area? It was great for us to see where we are and also where Bermuda is in its development of the arts.

"A lot of people don't realise that there's a lot of talent here and we're working hard to push that talent. We want there to come a day where people (recognise) Bermuda for having great dance students, great people in the arts programmes.

"So it's a great stepping stone for us at In Motion and also a great thing for the island and the arts community."