Received by the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda - June 28, 2007

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) generates intense excitement and emotions through the work it is doing on behalf of our youth community, and this is evidenced dramatically in the end of summer workshop performances performed by all of the participants in the DanceBermuda and Young Dancers Programmes.

 

Since it was established 3 years ago, NDFB has devoted its efforts to promoting dance excellence in Bermuda . It accomplishes this lofty objective by each summer exposing our talented dancers, teachers and choreographers to world-class training provided by the faculties and professional associates of the most respected instruction in dance: American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Juilliard and Paul Taylor. This year the renowned Ms. Debbie Allen offered 5 tuition scholarships for students from each of our main dance schools to attend a summer intensive at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in California, and NDFB has secured financial assistance through the support of the Bermuda Arts Council to enable those students who required additional funding to attend. What an incredible opportunity and wonderful experience in the lives of these young people!

 

Of course our young people through the formal training they receive – and there are over 300 enrolled in the programmes - learn how to dance to the best of their ability using the correct techniques. But they also learn Respect for self and others; Teamwork and how to work with and get along with each other; Discipline as a tool leading to mastering what they are learning and to realization of their highest aspirations. So they challenge themselves to be the best they can be, and they push themselves to the next level. These are all lifeskills that serve young people well as they mature in our highly competitive world.

 

To attend the end of summer DanceBermuda workshop– to see what our youth are capable of producing – is to bring tears to your eyes. Montpelier Re Foundation is proud to support the work of the National Dance Foundation through its support of a scholarship by funding the Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award, and we extend our sincere best wishes for your excellent work in our community to continue.

 

W. Wayne Jackson, J.P.

Chairman

Montpelier Re Foundation