AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE TO RUN INAUGURAL SUMMER PROGRAMME

HAMILTON, Bermuda, January 19, 2005 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) announced today that Oscar-winning actress and Bermuda resident Catherine Zeta-Jones will be the Honourary Chair of a gala evening of dance next month.

Billed as An Evening with Catherine Zeta-Jones , the black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, February 26 at the Fairmont Southampton Resort. All proceeds from the event will be used to establish the Foundation's international summer dance institute as well as to support programmes run by the island's dance schools.

"We are delighted that Catherine has agreed to be Honourary Chair of this event," said NDFB Chairman Don Kramer. "When she joined the Board last June, she graciously offered to help us in any way she could, given her extremely busy schedule and many overseas commitments. Hosting the gala is testament to Catherine's commitment to dance and to the development of dance in Bermuda ."

"This event will ensure that Bermuda 's talented dancers can pursue world- class training right here in Bermuda , without the cost of travelling abroad", said Ms. Zeta-Jones. "I know what hard work, dedication and sacrifice are involved in becoming a dancer, and I know what a difference quality training makes to your development. I am looking forward to this exciting evening."

Mr Kramer said that the Studio Company of world-renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT) will perform during the gala, including a new work called Hush choreographed by Stephen Mills. While on the island, ABT will offer master classes for the island's dancers.

Mr. Kramer noted that ABT will partner with the Dance Foundation to establish the Foundation's inaugural summer dance institute from August 15 to September 2.

"ABT has a well-established summer intensive programme which they have run throughout the United States for some time. The programme in Bermuda will be their first outside of the US and we are honoured that they have chosen Bermuda as their first international site."

"ABT has been exceptionally receptive and generous throughout our discussions about the international summer dance institute. They offered to perform at the gala at no cost and they have offered to make their teachers available for a series of master classes, again at no cost. This means that all proceeds from the February 26 event will go directly to the summer dance programmes. We are fortunate indeed to have them on board as our partner."

Mr. Kramer said information about An Evening with Catherine Zeta-Jones , as well as the international summer dance institute, can be found on the Foundation's web site at www.dancebermuda.org or by calling the Foundation's office at 441 239-4091.

 

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