prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, told yesterday of how the company's September tour to South Africa had opened her eyes in more ways than one.

"We are so lucky not to (be living) in South Africa,'' said Ms Cannonier.

"We just don't know how good we have it here.'' The 23-year-old dancer, who spent Christmas on the Island, is flying back to the United States today.

"We were treated with so much respect because we were the Dance Theatre of Harlem,'' she said of their reception in Johannesburg. "But at the same time, we all felt an uneasiness. We felt like we were being watched all the time.'' Even before the tour began, the entire company and crew were given an intensive briefing and told not to make any political statements during their stay to avoid controversy.

One of the trip's highlights was Mr. Nelson Mandela's attendance on the second night of the tour. The African National Congress leader also went backstage after the show to talk with company members.

"Everyone just stood there in awe. It was a truly emotional experience,'' recalled Ms Cannonier.

But the tour was marred by an unprovoked assault on two of the company's members as they walked along a Johannesburg street.

Security was tightened following the incident, and from then on Dance Theatre members were bussed everywhere they went -- even if the next stop was "just down the block''.

Other than such isolated incidents, Ms Cannonier said the Dance Theatre was well-received by their racially-mixed audiences and made a distinct impression on young South African dancers.

She was forced to fly back to New York a week early after twisting her knee during a rehearsal.

Ms Cannonier, who recently cancelled plans to wed Commonwealth Games gold medalist Mr. Clarance (Nicky) Saunders, said the Dance Theatre of Harlem hoped to return to South African biennially.

ON HER TOES -- Bermudian Sophia Cannonier, just returned from South Africa, is set for another exciting year of performances around the globe with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.