Steppers, poetry, hip hop, tap and the gombeys - that's the line-up for Rachel Smith's forthcoming show, "Summer Steppin' Off the Metre 5!" which takes place at Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts on August 9, 10 and 11.

The all-Bermudian variety show is the fifth Miss Smith has presented, and it promises to be another memorable evening's entertainment. With three of her four step groups performing, Miss Smith says they will naturally be the highlight of the programme. They are the Sista and Brutha Step Team, New Age Movement Steppers, and Steppin' Superstars, who will present 15 scenes in all.

As the senior group, the Sista & Brutha Step Team are well-known for the precision of their clappin' and slappin' routines, and never fail to delight their audiences. Last year they won a step show competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Their show-stopping black light routine is always a popular favourite here, and Miss Smith says it will be better than ever this year, with a surprise finale.

"The audience is going to have a very special. It's called `Ebony Night Thriller', and is the main scene," she hints.

Doreen Burgess assisted with training the New Age Movement Steppers, and Miss Smith notes that "so many people want to be steppers after they see the show" that in the aftermath she expects to audition many hopefuls, from whom she will choose those she considers best fit into her present "family" of young people - "because we are a family" she stresses.

Five other acts will round out the programme, including Neno Leto, who will perform original poetry; the hip hop group Fabulous, Live Wire featuring ace tap dancer Mitchell Trott and, as a grand finale, the gombeys.

"I always finish my shows with the gombeys and a balloon drop. Each child gets a balloon and a lollipop. I always like to make them feel welcome," Miss Smith says.

Music will be by DJ All Star (Brian Purvey), whom the director-producer describes as "wonderful".

"I can't speak too highly of him. He cuts and edits all my music. In fact, I create as I listen to the music," she says.

Miss Smith also has high praise for 18-year-old Shirmeka (Meeks) Brown, who helps with the choreography, as well as male stepper Nikki Richardson.

But the three shows are not just about entertaining the crowd. All money raised from ticket sales will go to the Summer Steppin' Scholarship Fund which was established some years ago to provide essential personal effects for students in need.

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