A young Bermudian dancer had the opportunity of a lifetime when he attended Washington DC's Duke Ellington School of the Arts this summer.

Eight-year-old Rikkai Scott has now begun ballet classes after his experience at the famous school, in addition to other disciplines like tap, modern, and hip hop dance.

The 25-year-old public school was founded by Peggy Cooper Casritz and Mike Malone and is considered the premier high school for the arts in the US.

Its graduates include opera singer Denise Greaves who sang in the 1996 Olympic Games opening ceremonies in Atlanta, and Dave Chapell an actor and comedian who has appeared in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights'', "The Nutty Professor'', and was a staple on HBO's Def Comedy Jam.

Several Phildanco, Alvin Ailey, and Dance Theatre of Harlem stars attended the school.

Rikkai, who attends Heron Bay Primary, told The Royal Gazette he has been dancing since he was three-years-old and said the ballet training helped him in performing other dance forms.

"Ballet helped me to control my balance,'' he said.

Rikkai said he would like to become a professional dancer like Gregory Hines, his favourite dancer.

Currently Hip Hop dance is his favourite form though.

"I prefer Hip Hop Dance. I like it most because it's fun,'' he explained.

When asked if he would return to the Duke Ellington School, without hesitation Rikkai said yes, adding he had made many friends.

Rikkai spent eight weeks at the school and was chaperoned by his father.

He missed out on seeing Broadway shows or his favourite singer and rapper Lauren Hill.

Rikkai is also studying drumming with Kevin Maybury and attends church at Better Covenant Christian Fellowship in Warwick.

United Dance Productions' dance instructor Kevin Malone said he was pleased Rikkai returned to Bermuda with a new attitude toward ballet.

"He's a natural for dance. Rikkai is a natural performer and he has an outgoing spirit,'' Mr. Malone said.

"For me he stands out. As a male in dance I see that he is hungry for dance.'' Mr. Malone added: "I just have so much respect for that little boy.'' Founder of UDP, Suzette Harvey said: "I happened to be in D.C. at the time and when I heard he was there I went to see a performance.

"Rikkai was good. I am glad he had a chance to see little boys with good technique.'' Rikkai's sister, Koshea Scott, a dancer herself, is also glad Rikkai had returned with a different attitude because it will improve his overall technique.

She said: "Here ballet is still a taboo for boys. But it gives a technical base and flexibility, even for hip hop.''