MONACO - September 14, 2002 - Ending 2002 with a high note - as well as a 'high-step' -- the second edition of the Monaco Dance Forum will take place from December 10-14 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. The week will feature performances, workshops, conferences and exhibitions by the world's most renowned dance troupes, culminating in the coveted Nijinsky Awards ceremony -- the Oscars of the dance world -- recognizing the world's best dance performers.

Held once every two years, the Monaco Dance Forum is one of the grandest celebrations of dance in the world, proudly featuring a full span of dance forms ranging from neo-classical to contemporary and from world to hip-hop. Highlights of this year's event include the Nederlands Dans Theater, Australia's Bangarra Company, the United States' Urban Tap, Rennie Harris Puremovement and Bill T. Jones, the United Kingdom's Akram Khan and Kneehigh Theatre Company, and, last but certainly not least France's Karine Saporta.

The event will also serve as a meeting place for dancers, choreographers, company directors, producers, stage designers, musicians, authors and multimedia artists. Among the activities planned for the five-day event are a dance festival, a first job audition for pre-professional dancers, a multimedia exhibition and professional marketplace.

For those looking to attend this year's festival, Monaco's new Columbus Monaco hotel is offering special unbeatable rates. A double room in this trendy, cool and contemporary property is only 150 Euro and includes breakfast for two people. Guests staying three nights or more will also receive a complimentary room upgrade. For information and reservations, visit www.columbushotels.com or email info@columbushotels.com.

For tickets and information on the Monaco Dance Forum, contact the Monaco Government Tourist Office at (800) 753-9696 or email MGTO@Monaco1.org. Information is also available on the Monaco Dance Forum website, www.mddf.com and the Monaco Government Tourist Office website www.monaco-tourism.com.