A company of talented young ballet dancers will be performing at the Bermuda `Fringe' Festival this weekend as well as organising outreach programmes in local schools.

Company manager Cristina Ares took time out yesterday morning to talk with The Royal Gazette and explained that the American Ballet Theater Studio Company of 12 dancers was a training ground for the main company of more than 70 dancers, simply known as the American Ballet Theater (ABT) The company has imported its own floor which has been permanently installed at the Daniel's Head eco-resort -- where the company is based -- as well as mirrors and bars.

Cristina, and major shareholders Lou and Genevieve Geyser, hope that ballet would become more of a regular feature at the resort.

This is the first international performance for the group and Cristina said: "We are really happy to be here, Bermuda is beautiful and everyone loves the tents.'' Cristina credited the Geysers for making the event possible and said they were great supporters of ballet in general and the American Ballet Theater in particular.

The group is on the Island for seven days and will be performing at the Ruth Seaton James Hall at CedarBridge Academy on Friday and Saturday evening.

About half of the 12 dancers will advance to the first company, and the rest will likely find positions with other companies.

The dancers, aged 16 to 19, will be performing two classic pieces and three contemporary pieces. Napoli , a classic from Denmark, Helix , a contemporary piece, the classic Pas De Deux from The Sleeping Beauty Act III, The Flying Lesson , another contemporary piece, and La Folia , which was described as a "quirky piece that is the only one with humour''.