Three young Bermudians studying dance overseas received a financial boost this week when the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) announced that they were recipients of this year's Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Awards.

In addition, bursary funds of up to $750, for study in Bermuda or abroad, were awarded to three students demonstrating financial need and a commitment to dance.

Sierra-Renae Robinson won the prestigious Patricia Calnan Commemorative Award, valued at $15,000 and designated "for advanced study at an accredited university or other professional programme". The 19-year-old dancer is entering her junior year at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she will study dance education.

Twenty-year-old Jacqueline Mayor received the Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award, valued at $7,500 and designated "for study at a recognised professional institution by a dancer or teacher who demonstrates excellence in ballet, and the commitment to further his or her training in a professional capacity". Miss Mayor is in her second year of studies at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in Britain, and the award is sponsored by Montpelier Re Foundation.

This is the second successive year in which Miss Robinson and Miss Mayor have received Bermuda Ballet Association awards.

Sixteen-year-old Courtney Lopes won the L. John Profit Commemorative Award. Valued at $7,500 and given "in support of study at a recognised professional institution by a dancer, teacher or choreographer who is also willing to contribute to the Bermuda dance community after he or she has completed training and gained experience", it will help to finance the young dancer's final year at the North Carolina School of the Arts. The scholarship is sponsored by BF&M.

The three students received the scholarships following a rigorous application process which included a written submission, an interview with the NDFB scholarship committee, and an audition conducted by an American Ballet Theatre representative.

Speaking on behalf of the NDFB board of directors, MP Cole Simons said the Foundation was "delighted" to present the awards to such deserving students in furtherance of its mission to "raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda" by supporting the training of talented dancers, teachers and choreographers.

"Sierra, Courtney and Jackie are committed to achieving a professional level of expertise in their dance training, and throughout the application process proved themselves to be dedicated and focused young women," he said. "We are delighted to welcome Courtney as the third recipient of a Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Award. Her development as a dancer is truly impressive, and we know that this award is supporting her ongoing emergence as a gifted performer."

Certainly the recipients were surprised and delighted to be so honoured.

"I was overjoyed when I first found out," Miss Lopes said. "I was also thrilled to know that I could finally give something back to my parents because they are always helping me, and it's hard to repay them as much as I want to, so this is definitely a big help."

Miss Lopes is entering her third and senior year of high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she majors in contemporary dance. A former student of the In Motion School of Dance, she will use the scholarship money toward her tuition in a final year which she says will be "a tough one" because she has to attend many auditions overseas.

After graduation, Miss Lopes plans to attend either a conservatory, or dance-based college in New York City, with the ultimate aim of joining a professional dance company. When that career is over she says she will "surely be heading back to the Island to share my wealth and knowledge of dance with the community".

Miss Mayor felt "honoured" to receive the Madame Ana Roje award, and through watching many local dancers, including winners of last year's commemorative awards, during the NDFB summer intensive, was thrilled to see how the energy and work of the NDFB has benefitted their skill levels.

As a graduate of the National Ballet School's teacher training programme, specialising in ballet, Miss Mayor said the experience was "like no other I have had. It made me realise just how much more I have to learn before I can give my students the best training".

Therefore, she has enrolled in a further teacher training programme at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in Liverpool, which focuses on alternative dance styles, including modern, jazz, ballroom and musical theatre.

"I am excited to be studying in the UK, and am grateful to both the National Dance Foundation and the Bermuda Arts Council, who have assisted me with the funding," she said.

For the past three years Miss Mayor has run a summer dance and drama camp at the Somerset School of Dancing, where she was also a student, and she looks forward to returning to the Island to continue her teaching career.

Miss Robinson was "elated" when she heard the news of her award. "I jumped up and down with excitement. This award is one of the highest arts awards presented in Bermuda, and I am honoured to be this year's recipient," she said. "The financial assistance will be greatly appreciated."

A former student at United Dance productions under Suzette Harvey, Miss Robinson is looking forward to her time in Philadelphia.

"Suzette more than equipped me to handle the challenge of dance at the university level," she said.

Her goal is to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance education and then join a company like Philadanco.

Miss Calnan, Madame Roje and Mr. Profit were all instrumental in developing the Bermuda Ballet Association, which was dissolved in 2005. The award in Miss Calnan's name was established in 2002 following her untimely death, while those in Madame Roje and Mr. Profit's names were established in 2006 in their honour. All three awards now commemorate the long and distinguished 40-year history of the Bermuda Ballet Association.

Mr. Simons also paid tribute to local and international companies, as well as and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, for their generous and continued support, which had made possible the awarding of more than $80,000 in scholarships and financial aid.

A new scholarship honouring Mrs. Georgine Hill, MBE, entitled the 'Georgine Mary Russell Hill Award', and valued at $7,500, is being established by the NDFB. It will support talented Bermudian dancers studying dance or dance education at accredited institutions overseas, and who demonstrate talent, commitment and the desire to contribute to the dance community in Bermuda in the future.

Mrs. Hill is a member of the Foundation's honorary board, and a lifelong patron of the arts in Bermuda. She pioneered the art education programme in Government high schools, and taught for 23 years.

"I know that the award we are establishing in her name will ensure that future generations never forget all that she has contributed to Bermuda," Mr. Simons said.