In a gesture which should transform Bermuda's dance world, resident businessman Paul Lepercq has awarded scholarships to enable three boys to study all aspects of dance technique.

The local philanthropist who has sat on the Boards of the Bolshoi Ballet and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, became convinced that, given adequate training, Bermuda could produce world-class male dancers.

Anxious, also, to dispel some of the myths which still tend to surround the whole concept of male dancing, Mr. Lepercq had the brilliant idea of importing three top dancers from the famed Alvin Ailey Company in New York to conduct a series of demonstration/workshops for children aged seven to 11 (considered the ideal age to commence dance training).

"The next thing I knew,'' says an excited Louise Jackson (head of the Jackson School of Performing Arts), "was that we were on the phone to Judith Jamison, who now runs the company. Mr. Lepercq paid for three principals to come here, including the company teacher, and the whole thing was successful beyond our dreams.'' So much so, in fact, that an additional 16 boys have been accepted to attend the weekly special dance class, free of charge.

"Conchita Ming and Heather Shrubb have very kindly offered to teach free of charge,'' says Mrs. Jackson. "This class will be a very general class, teaching modern dance to start with.'' As the enthusiastic youngsters saw for themselves, contemporary dance is far removed from the stereotype of "men in tights''.

"The Alvin Ailey dancers used a lot of sports movements, such as kicking a ball, and jumping in very strong, athletic movements -- and that was an eye-opener for all the kids,'' she laughs. "I think they are now beginning to realise what we have known all along: that anyone who trains as a dancer has a fantastic headstart in sports. They will be the ones who will be the quickest on the football and cricket fields and the stars of the high jump and hurdles on the athletic track -- they will have a great edge in all sports. Dance training has been part of the routine for top athletes overseas for many years now. The technique that these children will be learning,'' she adds, "also builds stamina far beyond that of other people, improves breathing technique and is arguably the very best method of building strong muscle.'' Mrs. Jackson also reveals that the Alvin Ailey group will be returning next year and, in the meantime, at least one of them plans to return once a term to give master class sessions to the students.

Mr. Lepercq, whose daughter is a pupil at the Jackson School, says he is "delighted'' that his idea has proved to be such a runaway success.

"Bermuda's children need to be proud of themselves and of their bodies,'' he enthuses. "They were all so excited by this wonderful display of dancing -- show them good stuff, and they recognise it!'' The three scholarship winners will also be able to take all classes offered at the school, including lessons in jazz and tap dancing. It is expected that the young students will soon be able to also participate in future National Dance Theatre productions.