It takes many qualities to be a member of the United Dance Productions (UDP) Junior Company, each of whom is admitted by audition, but the rewards are many – as the public will see when they present their varied dance programme at City Hall stage on April 11 and 12.

Trained by UDP owner Suzette Harvey, in addition to their talent, the 18 dancers must be dedicated, disciplined, have a good work ethic and attitude, and be able to keep up with their school work. They must also give up their Saturdays to train.

If all this sounds something of a tall order for teenagers in today's world, the students don't think so, for they not only love to dance, but also are inspired by Miss Harvey's vision of the heights to which they can aspire.

Since there is no performing arts school in Bermuda, her aim is to prepare those who want to become professional dancers to compete successfully with student dancers abroad when it comes to gaining places in universities, where the competition is fierce. For those who have other aspirations, it doesn't matter – the training will provide a great foundation for their future lives. In fact, the Saturday classes, which are free, deliver what Miss Harvey calls "a full package". In addition to dance, the students learn about protocol, deportment, how to present themselves, time management, stage presence and more.

"It is demanding physically, mentally and spiritually, and some of them don't want to go on to be (full-time) dancers but they realise that this is something which is good for them," she says. "They have a great bonding relationship between themselves, so it is like a family. It is a home for them."

Clearly proud of her students, Miss Harvey says she wouldn't give up her time if they didn't meet her more than half way, and she describes them as "so reliant, determined and dedicated".

"They have a great respect and understanding for what they are dedicated to."

Fifteen-year-old Kacee Morton-Simons and 14-year-old Dezjuan Thomas, senior members of the Junior Company, are cases in point. Kacee has been dancing at UDP since she was five. An honours student at Saltus Grammar School who also plays football and is on the school debating team, her favourite dance form is tap. She is looking forward to being on stage "and performing for those who don't know about dance but who enjoy watching it".

Her goal is to become a paediatrician or a psychiatrist, but says "dance will always be a part of my life".

Dezjuan, an honours student at Berkeley Institute, initially joined UDP at age eight, when his mother signed him up for hip hop lessons. When his doctor told him he must stop track and field, he concentrated on dancing, and is today "dedicated" to it. While Miss Harvey indicates he is outstanding at ballet, modern is his favourite, and he also dances jazz. Kacee says he exudes a lot of passion in his dancing.

"I like the creativity of dance, and I get right into roles. I am proud to be a member of the Junior Company," Dezjuan sums up.

Dezjuan will solo in a work choreographed by Miss Harvey as a tribute to the late Roosevelt Brown (Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego), while Kacee will also have a solo role.

Recently, the junior company returned from a high school dance festival in Philadelphia, which included daily classes, trips to theatres, and attending dance rehearsals at Koresh School, where Bermudian Eric Bean – a former UDP student – is in the company.

"He is a guy who came from our soil, and through our school, and here he is doing it," Miss Harvey says, indicating it is a perfect example of what her students can aspire to.

In terms of the April 11 and 12 performances, audiences can look forward to a diverse and entertaining programme which includes ballet, a high-energy Broadway piece from the musical 'Annie', and even work choreographed by the students themselves combining classical and modern music. Curtain time is 8 p.m.

Miss Harvey has chosen Gary Phillips as patron of the event because not only has he been a mentor to her, but also an outstanding member of the community and a major advocate of the arts.

Tickets ($25 general admission, $20 for students under 16) are available from UDP now, and also from City Hall box office from April 8 between 12 noon and 2 p.m. For further information telephone 295-9933.