HAMILTON, Bermuda , August 15, 2007 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda announced today that three Bermudians studying overseas have been chosen to receive the prestigious Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Awards.

 The three awards and their recipients are:

 *       The Patricia Calnan Commemorative Award, valued at $15,000 in support of advanced study pursued by a student at an accredited university or other professional programme,  has been awarded to 19 year old Sierra-Renae Robinson in support of her studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.


 *       The Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award, valued at $7,500 in support of study at a recognized professional institution by a dancer or teacher who demonstrates excellence in ballet and the commitment to further his or her training in a professional capacity, has been awarded to 20 year old Jacqueline Mayor in support of her study at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in the UK. For the 2007-2008 academic year, this award is generously sponsored by the Montpelier Re Foundation.

 *       The L. John Profit Commemorative Award, valued at $7,500 in support of study at a recognized professional institution by a dancer, teacher or choreographer who is also willing to contribute to the Bermuda dance community after he or she has completed training and gained experience, has been awarded to 16 year old Courtney Lopes in support of her studies at the North Carolina School of the Arts. For the 2007-2008 academic year, this scholarship is generously provided by BF&M. This is the second year BF&M has sponsored the L. John Profit Award.

These students were awarded their scholarships following a rigorous application process which included a written submission, an interview before the Scholarship Committee of the National Dance Foundation and an audition conducted by a representative of American Ballet Theatre.

In addition to the Commemorative Awards, bursary funds of up to $750, for study in Bermuda or abroad, were awarded to three students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to dance.

Ms Calnan, Madame Roje and Mr. Profit were all instrumental in developing the Bermuda Ballet Association which was dissolved in the fall of 2005. The award in Ms. Calnan’s name was established in 2002 following her untimely death and those in Madame Roje and Mr. Profit’s names were established in 2006 in their honour. All three awards now commemorate the long and distinguished 40-year history of the Bermuda Ballet Association.

"We are delighted to present these three awards to such deserving students," said member of the Board of Directors Cole Simons JP MP. "The mission of the National Dance Foundation is to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda and one of the most effective ways in which the Foundation does this is to support the training of talented dancers, teachers and choreographers.

"Sierra, Courtney and Jackie are committed to achieving a professional  level of expertise in their dance training and throughout the application process proved themselves to be dedicated and focused young women.

"It's worth noting that both Sierra and Jackie are receiving scholarships for the second year, a testament to their talent and to their long-term commitment to dance.

"We are delighted to welcome Courtney as the third recipient of a Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Award. Courtney's development as a dancer is truly impressive and we know that this award is supporting her ongoing emergence as a gifted performer.

"I want to take this opportunity to express the sincere gratitude of the Board of Directors to the Montpelier Re Foundation and to BF&M for their unwavering support of the National Dance Foundation.

"They are joined by Butterfield Bank, Bacardi International, PartnerRe, RenaissanceRe and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs in providing funds to students participating in programmes offered by the Foundation.

"The support of these local and international companies, as well as the Ministry, has meant that more than $80,000 in scholarships and financial aid has been awarded to students studying overseas and attending DanceBermuda 2007, and almost 150 students are able to participate free of charge in master classes during the year that are sponsored by PartnerRe who have renewed their sponsorship of the master class and teacher training series for another year."

Mr. Simons also announced that the Board of the National Dance Foundation has unanimously accepted the recommendation of its Scholarship Committee to establish a new scholarship honouring Mrs. Georgine Hill MBE, a member of the Foundation’s Honourary Board and a lifelong patron of the arts in Bermuda .

"The Georgine Mary Russell Hill Award, valued at $7500, is being established to support talented Bermudian dancers who are studying dance or dance education at accredited institutions overseas and who demonstrate talent, commitment and the desire to contribute to the dance community in Bermuda in the future.

"To say that Mrs. Hill has had a long-term impact on the development of the arts, in general, and dance, in particular, is indeed an understatement. Mrs. Hill pioneered the art education programme in the Government high schools and taught for 23 years.

"Through her participation and support of many arts organizations in Bermuda including the Bermuda Society of the Arts, the National Gallery, the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and now the National Dance Foundation, Mrs. Hill has been a beacon of hope and vision for the artistic potential that exists in Bermuda .

"She has never wavered in her belief that Bermudians can, and will, excel if given equitable opportunities and that the arts can cut through issues of race and class, uniting a community in wondrous ways.

"As a member of the Board of the National Dance Foundation, I am proud to serve alongside someone of Mrs. Hill's stature. I know that the award we are establishing in her name will ensure that future generations never forget all that she has contributed to Bermuda ."

 

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, a registered charity and a company limited by guaranty, helps to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda by providing world-class training to the island’s dancers, teachers and choreographers.