The weekend marks the final in the series of free master classes and teacher training held by the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, and is open to all of Bermuda's dancers and dance instructors.

Sponsored by PartnerRe, the annual classes will take place at the Bermuda High School's dance facilities, and be directed by master teachers from internationally recognised ballet and modern dance companies.

There will be two professional development classes, one in ballet by Flavio Salazar late on Saturday afternoon, and the other, in the Graham technique, by Denise Jefferson on Sunday afternoon.

A former dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Mr. Salazar is an experienced teacher who is certified by the National Ballet of Cuba to teach its methodology and pedagogy in ballet technique. He currently teaches at the Ailey School, ABT II, Ballet Tech and the JKO School at ABT.

Ms Jefferson, director of the Ailey school, will be teaching modern dance classes based on the Graham technique – widely acknowledged to be one of the most clearly defined dance vocabularies ever developed.

Accompanying the dancers will be Miro Magliore, pianist, dancer and choreographer.

Terming this year's series "an outstanding success in terms of attendance thus far", NDFB director Mary Faulkenberry (pictured) joined chairman Donald Kramer in thanking PartnerRe for its full and generous sponsorship, which had made it possible for Bermudian dancers, teachers and choreographers to attend classes led by master teachers from such prestigious dance organisations, namely: Alvin Ailey, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Houston Ballet, Paul Taylor, American Ballet Theatre, North Carolina School of the Arts, Juilliard and the Broadway stage.

"We are truly delighted with both the attendance and the level of training provided, and the NDFB commends Bermuda's young dancers and teachers for their dedication and commitment to dance," Mr. Kramer concluded.

The final classes run from April 25-27. For further information see the Bermuda Calendar, visit www.dancebermuda.org or tel. 236-3319.