HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 31, 2006 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda announced today that the Ministry of Community Affairs & Sport has awarded the Foundation $20,000 for scholarships to DanceBermuda , the three-week summer intensive training programme run each summer by the Foundation and American Ballet Theatre (ABT).

 

In response to the Foundation's funding application for the 2006 programme, the Ministry has increased its support from $13,500 to enable specific funds to be allocated for full scholarships for male dancers from Bermuda.

 

"The support that we receive from the Honourable Dale Butler and his colleagues has meant that 30% of the Bermuda students attending DanceBermuda 2006 will receive scholarships towards for their tuition costs, ' said Chairman of the National Dance Foundation Don Kramer. "The scholarship recipients have been chosen by their dance teachers and this year, three of the four young men from Bermuda will have their full tuition met by the Ministry. The fourth male dancer from Bermuda attending the 2006 summer programme was awarded a scholarship by Miss Catherine Zeta-Jones at the end of the 2005 session."

 

Mr. Kramer said there are 101 students attending DanceBermuda 2006, 71 of whom are Bermuda residents and 30 of whom are coming to Bermuda from the United States , Canada and the UK . He noted all participants were accepted following rigourous auditions held in March in Bermuda , New York and Toronto .

 

Minister Butler said he was impressed with what the National Dance Foundation had accomplished in just over a year of offering world-class training programmes to the dance community in Bermuda .

 

"It is heartening to see the plans outlined just over a year ago come to fruition for the benefit of Bermuda's dancers, teachers and choreographers, " said Mr. Butler. "The Foundation has established an annual training programme that offers master classes and teacher training workshops throughout the year, a scholarship programme for students studying dance overseas and the prestigious DanceBermuda programme which I understand is quickly gaining recognition around the world.

 

"In fact, I understand that two of the students participating in the Young Dancer programme are coming from Alaska , and have been holding bake sales throughout the spring to raise money for their trip to Bermuda in August.

 

"There is also a student coming from the UK and another from Canada .

 

"The National Dance Foundation also produced a documentary, on the inaugural DanceBermuda programme, which was well-received when it was shown at the Bermuda International Film Festival earlier this year.

 

"All of this adds significantly to how the community understands, appreciates and values the performing arts in Bermuda . This dovetails with the mission of our Department of Culture, which aims to preserve, nurture and enhance the island's arts, mores and traditions.

 

"I am, therefore, delighted to announce the names of the young people who will receive either a full or partial scholarship from the Ministry of Community Affairs & Sport for DanceBermuda 2006 . Each has been chosen by his or her dance teacher and I am including here the comments made by teachers about their students:

STUDENT / SCHOOL

 

Nelshea Simons-Bean, age 12       In Motion School of Dance

Nelshea is a lovely young dancer who has excellent theatrical instincts, is extraordinarily musical, and bright.  During the past year, her commitment to training has really blossomed and her ability to apply and retain corrections in class have allowed her to improve dramatically in her dance training. 

 

Meredith Bibbings, age 12   In Motion School of Dance

Meredith has been a student of the In Motion School of Dance and a company member of the Concepts In Motion Dance Ensemble for several years, during which time she has demonstrated a commitment to dance, and a strong work ethic beyond her years. She is the type of student every teacher would love to have in class and is a hard worker that focuses on achieving and maintaining sound technique. She is always eager to go above and beyond in her training and loves challenges. Meredith shows great potential and truly is a pleasure to have in class.

Vairi Cassidy, age 17   Jackson 's School of Performing Arts

Vairi is a lovely young lady on whom you can count to come to all her classes, be on time and work hard. She is a lovely, lyrical dancer.

 

Amber Clarke, age 12   Jackson's School of Performing Arts

Amber is very excited to have been accepted into the ABT summer intensive. She auditioned last year and though she was not accepted, she worked extra hard this year and was ready for the challenge of the audition. Her hard work paid off.

 

Jasmine Debraga, age 13   Somerset School of Dancing

A student of The Somerset School of Dancing for almost 5 years, Jasmine is always a very keen and hard worker. She continues to improve and is showing a nice classical form. Jasmine obviously enjoys her dancing as is evident in all her performances.

 

Jelani Douglas, age 21   School of Toronto Dance Theatre

Jelani has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

Jelani has only been dancing for approximately four years but during that time has demonstrated an impressive commitment to improving his technique. Jelani attended the inaugural DanceBermuda programme and returned to Toronto to continue his training at the prestigious School of Toronto Dance Theatre where he has been studying modern dance.

 

 

Sophie Faulkenberry, age 13   Somerset School of Dancing

Sophie has improved and matured tremendously in the past year. Her new-found interest and energy has elevated her level of achievement. Sophie continues to develop a strong physique and shows her enjoyment of dancing.

 

Sara Gibbons, age 13   Somerset School of Dancing

Sarah shows maturity beyond her 13 years, She is extremely strong in her presentation and is always very focused in class. Her lines and natural quality are a pleasure to observe.

 

 

Shaydrina Hassell, age 17   Jackson's School of Performing Arts

Shaydrina wants to dance! She is a dynamo when she performs, releasing all her energy and soul into her dance, whether in class or on stage.

 

Fredrika Hill, age 12   Somerset School of Dancing

Fredrika was a new addition to the ABT auditions this year and we feel she will be more than ready to accept any challenge as over the past year she has strengthened  and shown great improvement. Fredrika is developing into a lovely dancer.   

 

Jaesharrie Johnson, age 13    In Motion School of Dance

Jaesharrie has been a student of In Motion and a Company member of the Concepts In Motion Dance Ensemble for several years and has consistently displayed a keen sense of determination and drive in her dancing. She has a strong work ethic and has improved dramatically over the years. Jaesharrie's drive and passion for dance are evident in her training and her performance quality and she continually applies herself both in and out of the dance studio.

 

Jessica Koren, age 15   Bermuda School of Russian Ballet

Jessica has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

Jessica has been studying with the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet for the past 10 years and recently impressed audiences with her lyrical interpretation of the Lilac Fairy in the school's production of Sleeping Beauty.

 

 

Courtney Lopes, age 15   North Carolina School of the Arts

Courtney has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

Courtney is currently a high school scholarship student at the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts, having completed her local training at In Motion over the course of several years. Courtney is a bright and motivated young lady who shows a keen interest in and impressive passion for dance. She has a natural ability, is extremely self-disciplined, and continues to work hard at improving her dance technique and performance quality. Courtney has the ability to consistently apply corrections and has achieved a high level of technical proficiency in ballet, tap, jazz and modern with her focus now being on modern.

 

Brittany Madeiros, age 9   Jackson's School of Performing Arts

At such a young age, Brittany is already showing signs of being a strong, focused dancer. She has a lovely composition, works hard in class and is very excited about being accepted into the ABT Young Dancer programme.

 

Sophia Maguire, age 14   Somerset School of Dancing

Sophia is always a quiet but very dedicated student. Over the past year Sophia has gained strength and awareness of herself. Her progress continues to improve with every class due to a focused approach and a determination to improve her dance skills.

 

Rebecca McLauchlan, age 11   In Motion School of Dance

Rebecca has been studying at In Motion for several years during which time she has learned how to become a truly committed dancer. She always comes to class excited to learn and is a wonderful student to work with. Her diligence and respect for her classmates and teachers make her a pleasure to have in class. Rebecca has a lovely facility for dance and is a hard working and motivated dancer who does not give up easily. She always applies her self in class and demonstrates excellent classroom etiquette and attendance. It is clear that Rebecca truly enjoys dancing and is eager to pursue her dance training.

 

 

Natalie Nielsen, age 12   Somerset School of Dancing

Natalie is an exceptionally talented dancer who has yet to reach her full potential. We are expecting great results once Natalie gains more confidence. Her love of dancing and keen attitude in class make her a very enjoyable student to teach.

 

Safiya Nurse, age 12   Somerset School of Dancing

Safiya is a young dancer who shows great potential and as she matures her focus improves. She shows talent in all areas of dance including tap and jazz and shows a natural ability with a very energetic approach.

 

 

Amanda Perry, age 14   Bermuda School of Russian Ballet

Amanda has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

Amanda has been studying at the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet for 10 years, since the age of four. She danced the female role in the Bluebird pas de deux in the school's recent production of Sleeping Beauty.

 

 

Melissa Spurling, age 16   Jackson's School of Performing Arts

Melissa is a lovely dancer to watch perform. One might think of Melissa as shy, but she is really focused and determined always to better her technique and overall performance.

 

Chelsea Smith, age 11   Jackson's School of Performing Arts

Chelsea anticipates the hard work that will be required of her in the Young Dancer programme, but in class she has demonstrated that she is up to the challenge.

 

Jelani Veney, age 20   Bermuda School of Russian Ballet

Jelani has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

Jelani has been studying at the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet for the past three years. Earlier this year, he attended an International Congress at the National Ballet School in Cuba . Jelani danced the male role of the Bluebird pas de deux in the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet's recent production of Sleeping Beauty.

 

James Waddell, age 15   Bermuda School of Russian Ballet

James has been awarded a full scholarship.

 

James has been dancing at the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet since he was seven and earlier this year attended an International Congress at the National Ballet School in Cuba . James danced the role of Prince Floramund in the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet's recent production of Sleeping Beauty.

 

 

Ashley Yearwood, age 11   Somerset School of Dancing

Ashley is an extremely talented dancer who is showing strong work at such a young age. Her progress over the last year has been exceptional and we look forward to seeing  more and more  progress over the next few years.

 

 

"I congratulate all of these hard-working young people, whom I know give up many social events to attend their dance classes every night - and I also know most of them maintain excellent grades at school, too. They are focused, hard-working and disciplined, and regardless of the career path they follow, they will carry these traits with them for the rest of their lives."

 

DanceBermuda 2006 will run from August 7 - August 25 in the dance facilities at Bermuda High School on Richmond Road in Pembroke. Students aged 9 - 21 will study ballet, modern, jazz and Pilates as well as dance and music history five days a week for three weeks. Classes will be taught by faculty of American Ballet Theatre with Pilates taught by Bermuda teacher and former dancer Sophia Cannonier. A workshop performance featuring all participants will be presented on Friday, August 25 at 11:00am and 2:00pm at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

 

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda is a Bermuda-registered charity and a company limited by guaranty whose mission is to help raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda by offering world-class training to Bermuda 's dancers, teachers and choreographers. More information is available at 441 236 3319 or by visiting www.dancebermuda.org .