he National Dance Foundation of Bermuda officially kicked off the Island?s first-ever international summer dance institute on Sunday night.

Forty-three students from Bermuda and 23 students from the US and Canada, their parents, the American Ballet Theatre family, invited guests, sponsors and dance patrons were treated to a welcome barbecue and a tour of Bermuda High School?s dance facilities, which have been specially outfitted for the needs of the intensive programme.

Bermuda Endowment for the Arts refurbished a dance space at the School and the ribbon was cut by its Chair Trudi Snaith. The students, who had to meet rigorous audition standards, were introduced at the start of the barbecue by National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) Board member Ruth Thomas.

?It?s my distinct pleasure to declare the international summer dance institute officially open,? said Ms Thomas.

?Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, and particularly our Chairman Don Kramer, who has been called away because of a family emergency, I can say with certainty that we are all so proud of what has been accomplished in the last year.

?We are committed to providing world-class training to Bermuda?s talented dancers and this programme is just the start of many others that will help our young people develop their talents.?

Ms Thomas added that the NDFB was proud of its association with the American Ballet Theatre.

?They have demonstrated their commitment to the success of this programme by bringing their best teachers and pianists here,? she said, ?and they have gone above and beyond the call, to make the experience for every student ? one that they will always remember.?

?We would like to thank the Board and staff of Bermuda High School for their support.?

Ms Thomas also thanked the ACE Foundation, Bank of Bermuda Foundation and Butterfield Bank for their sponsorship and numerous other companies and organisations who have funded or helped the summer programme.

?This is truly a community effort, benefiting our young people and enhancing Bermuda?s reputation as a centre of excellence for the performing arts,? said Ms Thomas.

The international summer dance institute will culminate with free performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 2, at the City Hall Theatre.