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BERMUDA BALLET ASSOCIATION JOINS NATIONAL DANCE FOUNDATION OF BERMUDA;
BERMUDA NATIONAL ARCHIVES TO RECEIVE FUNDS TO CATALOGUE OVER 40 YEARS OF DANCE HISTORY

HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 7, 2005 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) announced today that the Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA) has joined the organization and that as a part of the amalgamation, over 40 years of dance history will be given to the Bermuda Archives.

At a special general meeting of the BBA held last month, members voted to dissolve and join the NDFB.

"Over the course of the past year, we have realized that the mission of the National Dance Foundation and the mission of the Bermuda Ballet Association are essentially the same," said BBA President Sal Hodgson. "We are both non-profit organizations dedicated to raising the standard of excellence in dance through world-class training."

Chairman of the National Dance Foundation Don Kramer said the Foundation's Board recognizes that the amalgamation of the two entities represents a historic moment in Bermuda 's performing arts history.

"The Bermuda Ballet Association is the island's oldest dance organization and can rightfully claim to be one of the most prestigious. It was formed in 1962 by Madame Patricia Gray MBE with the support of Madame Ana Roje and since that time, hundreds if not thousands of students have reaped the benefit of their vision and the association's unwavering dedication to dance. The National Dance Foundation is acquiring a rich history of which we are most proud."

Mr. Kramer noted that Mrs. Hodgson already sits on the NDFB Board as owner of the Somerset School of Dance. Mrs. Sallie Singleton, who has headed the BBA Scholarship Committee, has joined the NDFB Board and will chair the Board's newly-formed Scholarship Committee.

"We are acquiring not only a legacy of dance excellence but also a well-established awards programme that includes Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Scholarships and the Patricia Calnan Scholarship. These awards join the scholarships that have been established by Catherine Zeta-Jones and the Ministry of Community Affairs & Sport. and enable students who might not be able to afford dance tuition to participate in the world-class training."

Mrs. Hodgson said that all historical material from the Bermuda Ballet Association, including films, tapes, and programmes from past performances, are to be given to the Bermuda National Archives to be properly catalogued and archived. This project will be paid for by funds raised by the Association.

"The history of dance in Bermuda is an impressive one that forms a meaningful part of the island's culture," said Mrs. Hodgson. "It should never be lost and we are delighted to be able to entrust this important project to the professional staff at the Archives."

 

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, a non-profit organization registered with the Bermuda Charities Commission and a company limited by guaranty, is dedicated to the development of exceptional dancers and choreographers in Bermuda.

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EDITORS NOTE: Link here to see actual story published in Royal Gazette, November 9, 2005