FOR the second year in a row, the Hott Dancerz performed before a sold-out crowd at the Vasco da Gama Club. The troupe, led by Bruno Ferreira included Vanda Sousa, Ashleigh Pacheco, Jessica Almeida, Stacey Pitcher and Celia Medeiros, gave a stellar performance, much to the delight of patrons.

The show kicked off well after the announced 8 p.m. kick-off time - but it was worth the wait since revellers were able to sample the fine Azorean cuisine on hand.

Master of ceremonies Hubert (The Voice of the Azores) Viera then introduced the evening's entertainers both in Portuguese and English for the dyed-in-the-wool Anglophones on hand (yours truly included).

Organiser Maria Sousa said the troupe had fine-tuned their dance routines since first bursting on the local entertainment scene three years ago.

"We have new outfits, new dancers and have added new songs as well. I love to dance and have helped the dancers with the songs and dances, but this year it was Vanda and Bruno who did most of the work, but I have helped out in the past."

She also thnaked Hubert Viera, music mogul Eddy DeMello and Vasco da Gama for their part in making the event a success. "Mr. Viera is like our (overseas) manager," she said.

Ranging in ages from 12 to 18, the dancers opened up with a hip-hop song which has been the trademark of this group of up-and-coming performers. The "More Fiya" skit featured the dancers showing off a new dance routine while dressed as firemen. The multi-coloured lighting wasn't overly harsh and, for the most part, complemented the numerous costume changes as the show went on.

Their next routine "2 Faceted" was equally entertaining and the crowd were warmed up as the next act took to the stage. Mini Mix, a younger off shoot of Hott Dancerz, launched into a two-song routine as Ciara Rego made a brief appearance on stage. Sporting blue jeans, gold tops and matching hairstyles, the all-girl group seemed supremely confident as they breezed through their performance without a hitch.

With a flair for the retro, the Hott Dancerz returned to perform Back in 1975. Resembling fugitives from the fashion police, the dancers were clad in spandex, wigs and clothing from the (mercifully dead) disco era.

This well-choreographed nostalgic routine had more than its share of humorous moments. These dancers had done their homework when it came to showing off steps that were older than the dancers themselves! By the end of their routine the crowd literally cheered themselves hoarse as the next act made her way to the stage.

Lucy Simas ,the first vocalist to grace the stage for the evening, was no slouch when it came to belting out a tune. Maria Sousa explained how Simas has performed at different venues and has gained fame in the Azorean community as an accomplished vocalist. Her opening number was performed in Portuguese and her next song was performed in English. The audio was a little loud for one to fully appreciate Simas' effort, but she projected her voice enough to compensate and deliver a fine performance.

Returning to the stage for their third performance of the evening, the Hott Dancerz shared the spotlight with two of Mini Mix's dancers, Victoria DaPonte, aka Vicky D, and Victoria Cameron, aka Vicky C. Performing the "Outta Control" segment of the show, Bruno was visibly proud of his young charges as they stayed in step with their older counterparts.

In her second and final performance for the evening, Lucy Simas performed both in Portuguese and English, which added variety to the show. In their second stint for the evening, Mini Mix performed two dance routines before making the way for the Hott Dancerz. This "Latin Love" performance, choreographed by Ferreira and Sousa, showed the group's versatility as consummate performers and not just a garden-variety "bubblegum" group.

The main act, Nelson Rego (pictured), sang the majority of his set in Portuguese, but showed he can croon in English as he launched into an interactive set with the appreciative audience. By his third song, the US-based Rego had a crowd on stage with him as the less-than-conservative ladies on hand literally got into the act. A bona fide "chick magnet", Rego, with his arms outstretched, asked, "Are we having a party or what?" as the ladies in the audience voiced their approval of his singing.

Not one to hog the spotlight, Rego invited the Hott Dancerz on stage with him as they continued to deliver one high-energy performance after another. Obviously impressed with the local talent, Nelson joined the audience, and took a bow facing his onstage guests. The compliments didn't stop there as he continued to heap praise on Mini Mix who also made a final appearance to show Rego their appreciation.

The show reached a climactic finale with Hott Dancerz and Mini Mix performing Go Vasco. "It was a dream to come to Bermuda. Thank you very much for having me," exclaimed Rego.

After their successful tour of Massachusetts, Mini Mix and the Hott Dancerz will return for a brief string of performances in Boston before winging their way to the Azores.

Described as their overseas manager, Viera, who has an obvious eye for talent,said: "The last time we travelled abroad there were 35 people on the tour. We travelled by school bus and performed in three cities. We performed in some of the Portuguese clubs and there were some Brazilian entertainers there and our kids were very professional! Everybody had a great time."