*** United Dance Productions has once again produced technically innovative and artistically profound performance.

Local audiences were exposed to the talents of local and international guest artists -- including some with ties to the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and Philadanco.

And it was especially fulfilling throughout the performance of "Chaos II!'' to see that the calibre of Bermudian talent was as high as their international counterparts.

Highlights of the evening included the candle-lit "Watermark'' where dancers Anthony Burrell, Kevin Goodwine, and Tara Pasquerello performed clad in red-and-black monk robes.

The dancers' controlled, yet fluid performances wowed the audience by suggesting the pure physical strength, flexibility and discipline needed to execute certain moves.

But one of more decidedly memorable performances of the evening was "12th Gratification'', choreographed by Kae Thomas.

Audiences may remember this piece which debuted at last year's show "Fusion''. However, this year's rendition took the performance to the next level.

With the erotic sounds of Enigma's "Principles of Lust'' pulsing over the speakers, dancer Zalika Millett appeared onstage with her back turned to the audience -- topless.

The beauty of this dance was owed largely to the powerful and rather clever choreography, much of which focused on suggestive rather than explicit sexual overtones.

And the success of this piece seemed to represent the secret of UDP's overall accomplishment. The group is well-skilled in pushing against the boundaries of what can be appreciated by mainstream audiences, while still thoroughly maintaining their artistic integrity.

The first part of the show was stronger than the post-intermission performance, but all the performances were expertly choreographed and immaculately executed.

Suzette Harvey and the members of United Dance Productions who blossomed under her pupilage are indisputably a group of Bermuda's finest consummate artistic professionals.

KIM DISMONT ROBINSON