ground.

The Bank of Bermuda yesterday announced that it will sponsor UDP for a year.

As a part of the unprecedented sponsorship, UDP will host Master Classes which aim to increase the calibre of the dancers' performance by providing further training for dance teachers and exposing students to international instruction.

Other projects will include international workshops for Bermudian teachers, international choreographer exposure, and student workshops.

While forbidden to disclose the dollar value of the sponsorship, UDP founder and artistic director Suzette Harvey explained the funding will allow the production company to bring in international teachers.

"So when we do need to step out of Bermuda, we will have international choreographers who recognise us,'' she said.

"Dance is an important medium for people to express themselves,'' Ms Harvey added. "Now that UDP has grown to over 500 students we need to move on to a higher level of instruction so that students can grow.

"I am truly grateful to the Bank of Bermuda for their support in recognising the potential these students have.'' The bank's Trust manager, David Lang, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for some of the young people of Bermuda. Suzette has an excellent work ethic and is able to provide a real inspiration to her students.

"We look forward to some exciting productions from UDP in the near future.'' UDP -- which started eight years ago -- has a drug-free, disciplined lifestyle philosophy and encourages all students to take what they learn at the dance studio away with them and apply it to the other areas of their life.