NATIONAL DANCE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE FUNDING FROM PARTNER RE, XL FOUNDATION AND BUTTERFIELD BANK

ALSO PRESENTS BBA COMMEMORATIVE SCHOLARSHIPS TO DANCERS FOR OVERSEAS STUDY

HAMILTON, Bermuda, August 15, 2006 - The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda today announced funding awards that have been granted to the Foundation by four local and international companies in Bermuda .

 

PartnerRe is the title and sole corporate sponsor of the PartnerRe Master Class and Teacher Training Series , which will give more than 350 Bermudian dancers, teachers and choreographers the opportunity to attend classes taught by master teachers representing some of the world's most prestigious dance organizations free of charge in Bermuda.

 

"PartnerRe prides itself on its commitment to professionalism and excellence - something that is also aligned with the core values of the National Dance Foundation," said Patrick Thiele, President and Chief Executive Officer of PartnerRe.

 

"We feel this series is a unique opportunity to support the National Dance Foundation's efforts to provide world-class training opportunities to members of Bermuda 's dance community. The initiative represents a fusion of local talent and international influence, and the result is a cultural experience that benefits everyone."

 

 

XL Foundation has awarded the National Dance Foundation $25,000 for operating expenses. The Foundation has established an office at Cap-a-Laige Charities House on Point Finger Road and has one fulltime and two part-time members of staff managing the training, development and governance activity of the Foundation.

 

"We are impressed by the careful manner in which the Dance Foundation has built its infrastructure," said XL Foundation President Gavin Arton. "They have established a sound management structure and their Board of Directors and staff are committed to the wise stewardship of their donors' funds and understand the need for transparency and accountability."

 

Butterfield Bank is providing $20,000 to be used for bursaries for qualifying dancers for study in Bermuda or at accredited educational/training institutions overseas. It will be a critical adjunct to the scholarship programme established by the Foundation, opening the door to world-class training for many students who are denied access because they don't have the funds. Based on this year's experience in providing financial support, and the Foundation's comprehensive knowledge of the Bermuda dance community, up to 20 students will be supported by this particular programme.

 

"No-one with talent and determination should be denied his or her dream because they don't have the funds to pursue it," noted Executive Vice President Wendell Emery. "We know that of the almost 3,000 students studying dance in Bermuda , up to 15% of them have what it takes to excel. Butterfield Bank wants to make sure that there is support for those who want it. This is an investment in our young people and in our community, and we're proud to be associated with the programmes of the National Dance Foundation."

 

Chairman of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, Don Kramer, said the support the organization is receiving from the private sector, as well as from Government, is indicative of the growing belief that an investment in dance is an investment in the development of positive, healthy young people.

 

"This is youth development at its best," said Mr. Kramer. "The young men and women who study dance learn some important things about themselves, their peers and their teachers. They learn what it means to make a commitment and stick to it, how to work in a group, how to challenge themselves and not be deterred from reaching their goal. They become poised and confident adults, and the chances of them succeeding at their chosen career are greater because of the life lessons learned in the dance studio."

 

The National Dance Foundation also announced the names of the students who have been chosen to receive Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA) Commemorative scholarships named in honour of journalist Patricia Calnan, BBA Founder Madame Ana Roje and former Secretary Treasurer L. John Profit.

 

The successful students were chosen after a rigorous process which included the submission of a written application, including a personal statement, and participation in an audition class conducted by Mr. Brian Reeder, a faculty member of American Ballet Theatre's Education and Outreach Department.

 

The recipient of the Patricia Calnan Commemorative Award is 19 year-old Dominique (Nikki) Anderson . This prestigious award, valued at $15,000, is given annually to the student who demonstrates the talent, skill and commitment to pursue advanced dance training as a dance major at a recognized university or another professional programme overseas. Nikki is currently studying at Dean College in Franklin , Massachusetts , where she has three more years of study. Her goal is to be accepted into the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Nikki spent July attending the Ailey Summer School programme and is currently attending DanceBermuda 2006.

 

19-year old Jacqueline Mayor has been awarded the Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award . which is given to the dancer or teacher who demonstrates excellence in ballet and the commitment to further his or her training in a professional programme overseas. The award is valued at $7,500 for one year of study and is available to dancers between the ages of 12 and 18, and to teachers 18 years of age and older. Jackie's goal is to return to Bermuda to teach and to that end, she is studying at the National Ballet School in Toronto , Canada where she is in her second year of the Teacher Training programme.

 

The L. John Profit Commemorative Award, valued at $7,500, has been sponsored by BF&M and was presented today by BF&M Vice President Ms Gina Bradshaw. The scholarship has been awarded to 18-year old Sierra-Renae Robinson . The L. John Profit award is given to the dancer, teacher or choreographer who demonstrates the talent, skill and commitment to further his or her dance training overseas. The successful candidate should be willing to contribute to the dance community of Bermuda after he or she has completed training and gained professional experience. Sierra is a student at the Philadelphia School of the Arts in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania where she is entering her second year.

 

"It gives me great pleasure to present this award," said Ms Bradshaw, "and all the more so because I knew Mr. Profit and performed with him. He was a great and life-long patron of the arts, and I consider it a real honour to be able to present this award on BF&M's behalf. We consider our support of Bermuda 's youth to be an investment in the future wellbeing of the community."

 

The Scholarship Committee of the National Dance Foundation has also awarded bursaries to the following dance students in support of their training in Bermuda and abroad:

 

Tyler Barker, aged 22

Jasmine DeBraga, aged 13

Shomeiko Ingham, aged 24

Jaesharrie Johnson, aged 13

Courtney Lopes, aged 15

Nikia Manders, aged 24

Shayna Matthew, aged 17

Makeda Simmons, aged 10

Nelshea Simons-Bean, aged 12

Angelé Smith, aged 13

Chantal Stowe, aged 12

 

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. More information about the Foundation and its programmes is available at www.dancebermuda.org .