Media Contact:    Wendy Davis Johnson

441 505 4091

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES DONATES FUNDING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

PRESENTS THEM TO RECIPIENTS AT CITY HALL PERFORMANCE

HAMILTON , Bermuda, September 2, 2005 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) announced today that NDFB Board member Miss Catherine Zeta-Jones has provided funding for scholarships for the Foundation's international summer dance institute, DanceBermuda.

The scholarships, which were awarded to recipients by Miss Zeta-Jones following a student performance at City Hall Theatre on Friday afternoon, will fund full tuition costs for the NDFB's 2006 summer intensive programme.

Ten students were chosen by five teachers from the faculty of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), who have been in Bermuda for three weeks teaching classes in classical and contemporary ballet, modern, jazz and hip-hop at dance studios at Bermuda High School .

The ABT teachers said that the students were chosen because of their strong potential, commitment, work ethic and attitude.

The scholarships have been balanced so that more Bermuda dancers receive awards than visiting dancers, as the programme's first objective is to provide world-class training to Bermuda dancers.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Scholarship Recipients at DanceBermuda 2005

From left to right, front row: Karissa Roberts, Alexis Richens, Rachel Ray, Tyler Barker Back row: Dominque (Nikki) Anderson, Justin Melvin, Jenny Johnson, Ms. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jackie Damico, Ryan Cardea, Darius Barnes

 

Students receiving scholarships from Miss Zeta-Jones, in alphabetical order, with comments from the ABT faculty:

Dominique Anderson - aged 17, from Bermuda : "Dominique has an incredibly strong desire to grow and improve in her work. In addition to being a standout in contemporary dance forms, she showed great determination to achieve a higher level in her classical technique. Her focus and work ethic were exemplary."

Tyler Barker , aged 21, from Bermuda: "A naturally gifted and coordinated mover and performer with a keen musical instinct, Ty worked tirelessly to strengthen his understanding and ability in classical technique, setting a strong example for everyone."

Darius Barnes, aged 17 Baltimore, Maryland: "Darius has an outstanding facility for dance that includes long elegant lines and a noble stature. The unique way he uses space immediately draws one's attention to him."

Ryan Cardea , aged 16, from New York : "Ryan is a fine example of a dancer with proper placement and outstanding physical co-ordination. His solid focus in class and rehearsal allowed him to make great strides over the course of the programme."

Jacquelyn Damico, aged 17 , from Carlisle , Pennsylvania : Jackie shows great potential in becoming an outstanding ballet dancer. Jackie's precise and clear movement makes for a promising future ballerina."

Jenny Johnson, aged 12, from Great Falls , Montana : "Jenny showed extraordinary dedication and focus in every aspect of her work, which set a very high standard and was an example that was extremely positive."

Justin Melvin, aged 16, Newark, New Jersey: "Through out the past three weeks, Justin's eager and earnest approach made him receptive to the information he was given, with the result that he showed enormous improvement."

Rachel Ray , aged 10, from Bermuda: "Rachel displayed a unique verve and energy in her enthusiasm for dance, as well as showing a strong understanding of the basic classical vocabulary."

Alexis Richens, aged 11, Bermuda: "For a young student, Alexis showed great potential, with a natural facility and aptitude for classical ballet."

Karissa Roberts , aged 17, Bermuda: "Karissa's. intense focus and determination to expand her knowledge and understanding in every way made her stand out as one of the most extraordinary students in the program. Her commitment in daily classes, rehearsals, and performance was never less than 110%."

 

"As a member of the Board of Directors of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, and as a member of the Bermuda community, I am committed to supporting the Foundation's objective of providing world-class training to Bermuda's talented dancers," said Miss Zeta-Jones. "Dance requires focus, determination and commitment, qualities that will stand all of these young people in good stead regardless of the career they ultimately choose.

"I know that one way I can show my support is to assist young dancers with the cost of their training. So I am delighted to be able to provide funding for these talented young men and women, all of whom have demonstrated exemplary character traits as well as significant dance potential during the three-week summer intensive."

Sixty-six students between the ages of 10 and 21 participated in the NDFB's three-week programme. 43 dancers were from Bermuda and 23 were from the United States and Canada.

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.

Tel: (441) 239-4091 Fax: (441) 236-8784 Email: dancebermuda@college.bm