Opportunities for local dancers, teachers and choreographers to further their studies abroad are now greater than ever thanks to the availability of new scholarships and bursaries whose total value is $30,000.

Following the amalgamation of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) and the Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA), the Foundation yesterday announced the establishment of the Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Scholarships.

National Dance Foundation scholarship committee chairman Sallie Singleton said three scholarships named in honour of former and journalist Patricia Calnan, BBA founder Madame Ana Roje and former BBA president L. John Profit will be awarded annually to dancers, teachers and choreographers to further their study overseas.

In addition to the named scholarships, a bursary fund will provide funding for study on the Island or overseas.

In total, more than $30,000 in Bermuda Ballet Association commemorative scholarships and bursaries is now available from the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda.

?The mission of the National Dance Foundation is to help raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda,? Mrs. Singleton said. ?When the Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA) amalgamated with the Foundation last fall, it was with the belief that the BBA?s well-established awards programme would not only continue, but that a greater level of funding, and therefore support, could be achieved.

?This has indeed proven to be the case with the establishment of these prestigious awards, which honour the memory of three people who were passionate in their lifelong commitment to the development of dance in Bermuda.?

Mrs. Singleton noted that the now-defunct Bermuda Ballet Association was the Island?s oldest and most prestigious dance organisation. It was formed in 1962 by Madame Patricia Gray MBE with the support of Madame Ana Roje, former prima ballerina of the Ballet Russe, and, until its amalgamation in November 2005 with the National Dance Foundation, had supported the training of hundreds of the Island?s dance students through scholarships and bursaries.

?The National Dance Foundation?s scholarship committee has spent quite some time structuring our scholarship programme so that it meets the needs of Bermuda?s dance community and also furthers the goals of the Foundation,? Mrs. Singleton said. ?We feel the programme that is being announced today dovetails nicely with other training support currently offered by the Foundation, including scholarships provided by Board member Catherine Zeta-Jones for the DanceBermuda summer intensive programme.?

Mrs. Singleton outlined the memorial scholarships? value and their criteria, as follows:

The will be given annually to the student who demonstrates the talent, skill and commitment to pursue advanced dance training as a dance major at a recognised university or another professional programme overseas. The scholarship is valued at $15,000 for one year of study and is available to students 18 years of age or older. The successful applicant may re-apply for future consideration after one year of study.

The will be 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. The successful applicant may re-apply for future consideration after one year of study.

The will be awarded 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. This scholarship is valued at $7,500 for one year of study and is available to candidates who are 14 years of age or older. The successful applicant may re-apply for future consideration after one year.

In addition to the BBA Commemorative Awards, Mrs. Singleton noted that bursary funds of up to $750 will be considered for qualified students.

?Guidelines and application forms are available by calling the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda at 236-3319 or by visiting our web site at ,? she said. ?The deadline for applications is June 15.?

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.