The National Dance Foundation and PartnerRe are presenting a second annual master class and teacher training series.

The class will be held at the dance facilities of Bermuda High School and open to all of Bermuda's dancers and dance instructors.

The PartnerRe Training Series includes a four weekend series' of master classes and workshops, and features master teachers from internationally recognised ballet and modern dance companies, as well as jazz and Broadway.

"Thanks to PartnerRe's generous sponsorship, we are able to offer these world-class training opportunities free of charge to the dance community," said Mary Faulkenberry, NDFB's development director.

"The attendance in December and February was excellent and we are expecting a similar turnout for the March classes, which will run from March 14 to March 16."

The third weekend of classes will benefit from the instruction of Clara Cravey and João Carvalho, who will each also teach a teacher training class.

There will be two different Teacher Training seminars this weekend, with modern dance on Saturday and ballet on Sunday.

"Ms Cravey has travelled extensively, dancing as a principal with the Harkness Youth Dancers and Ballet International de Caracas," said Ms Faulkenberry.

"She was the principal of Houston Ballet Academy and served as the president of the National Association of Schools of Dance, and on the artistic council of Ballet Florida and the University of Oklahoma.

"She is currently a guest instructor with the North Carolina School of the Arts and a freelance master teacher."

While Mr. Carvalho, is no stranger to Bermuda, having choreographed "Valsa Do Abraço" for the DanceBermuda workshop performance in 2007.

"The Emmy Award winning Dance in America Production of 'Speaking in Tongues' featured a role originated by Mr. Carvalho," she added.

"A skilled choreographer and former principal dancer of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Mr. Carvalho currently teaches at the Paul Taylor School and several other New York universities.

"He also co-directs 'LúdicaDança,' a pick up company based in São Paulo."

Ms Faulkenberry said the NDFB is thrilled that Mr. Carvalho is returning to teach and lead a professional development seminar in the third weekend of the series.

"This promises to be a superb weekend of master classes."

In addition to the expertise of Ms Cravey and Mr. Carvalho, Bermuda's dancers will once again have the opportunity to train with accompanist, Miro Magloire.

Mr. Magloire's career includes that of pianist, dancer (The Ailey School and Martha Graham Ensemble/Martha Graham School), dance accompanist and most recently choreographer," she said.

This combined experience and depth of knowledge of both music and dance make Mr. Magloire an ideal accompanist.

"We are delighted that we continue to reach such a broad cross-section of our dance community," said Don Kramer, Chairman of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda.

"The past two weekends in the series included several dancers who were new to the series, including dance instructors from our Government school system.

"It is inspiring to see people come together through the love of dance.

"We are grateful to PartnerRe for providing full sponsorship of the Master Class and Teacher Training Series for the second year.

"The NDFB commends Bermuda's young dancers and their schools for continuing to provide the focus, discipline and motivation to improve."