BERMUDA'S dance lovers will be treated to a night Under the Big Top as part of the In Motion School of Dance's sixth annual showcase at the City Hall Theatre next week.

A variety of dance styles, music and lots of high-energy choreography will comprise the evening, as will the talents of dancers at all levels of jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and creative movement.

"The show is fun-packed, and high energy, and lives up to the school's reputation as being fast-paced and full of energy," explained In Motion director, Lizz Pimental. "It is guaranteed to entertain. The dancers are all excited to perform and it is that passion for dance that keeps them striving and dedicating themselves to the art form. The dance showcase is a critical part of their dance education and, as part of their participation, dancers learn co-operation, stage presence and projection of their individual personalities."

Since its inception in September of 1997, In Motion has presented five dance showcases and three company performances. The school, which began with 40 students in a one-room space with Ms Pimentel as the sole teacher, has today grown to include seven teachers, a state-of-the-art location, and well over 600 students. According to Ms Pimentel, one thing that has not changed is In Motion's commitment to training and nurturing an appreciation of the arts. Such is that commitment, that concerted efforts have been made by Ms Pimentel to accomodate financially-strapped parents. A work-study programme for students was established, and regular fundraisers are held to keep costs to a minimum.

"The school prides itself on its commitment to providing dancers with the best training possible from our fully-trained teachers and to provide a fun and family atmosphere for the dancers to thrive in," she explained. "We encourage students to reach their highest level of skill, to nurture a positive self-image, and to appreciate the art form of dance through classes and local and overseas workshops and performances.

"We've actually done a lot in the past year. And, I think when people watch our productions, they can tell that there is an intense dance training that happens at In Motion for all levels and all ages. Especially over the last year, I've noticed a dramatic improvement in many of the students. It makes me so happy. It's been almost a turn-around year for us in that regard. Our intermediate-level students are all doing triple turns; they're all doing double turns. It's excellent. I'm especially thrilled because my students are now starting to look at dance as a profession. They're thinking, 'This an opportunity for me. I can become a dancer; I can become a choreographer. I can move the next step up.' I have three students (studying dance) in university at the moment and another going away this year. That's phenomenal. I'm so excited about that. A lot of them started with me from their first year of dance so it's really nice to have watched them progress and (know that) they've worked hard to reach the level they're at now, which is a pre-professional level. Even better, the dancers are all excited to perform and it is that passion for dance that keeps them striving and dedicating themselves to the art form. They are so very commited, spend hours in the studio preparing for a dance piece and, despite the hard work, have lots of fun too."

Under the Big Top runs at the City Hall Theatre Wednesday, May 14 through Sunday, May 18. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available from the City Hall box office. For more information, telephone 292-7615, or visit the website at www.inmotion.bm.