Dozens of young dancers will be able to hone their skills and learn life lessons in coming years as a result of start-up funds raised at a gala “An Evening With Catherine Zeta-Jones”, organised by the National Dance Foundation.

More than $100,000 was raised at the black-tie event at which more than 350 people, from the International and local business communities as well as students from the Island's dance schools, attended.

The funds will launch the first ever Summer Dance Institute this summer. The Oscar winning Welsh actress was the guest of honour along with soap opera and television star Victoria Rowell at the Fairmont Southampton event. Guests were treated to cocktails with Catherine Zeta-Jones, her husband, actor Michael Douglas, and Victoria Rowell.

After dinner, American Ballet Theatre's (ABT) Studio Company performed three pieces from their repertoire.

Both Ms Zeta-Jones and Ms Rowell that dance was a critical component of a young person's development. “Many people think of dance as a frill, something you do on a Saturday morning as a part of weekend activity, “ said Ms Zeta-Jones.

“But dance is a discipline that requires intense focus and commitment as well as talent. Whether or not a dance student becomes a professional dancer, the character traits nurtured in the studio produce poised, confident and self-assured adults.

“What parent doesn't want that for their children? It's certainly something that Michael and I want for our children and for the young people of Bermuda.”

Ms Rowell, who spent 18 years in foster care and who is an alumna of ABT, noted that dance changed her life. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I was given, through a scholarship, to study at American Ballet Theatre, “ said Ms Rowell, a veteran “Young and the Restless” actress.

“The support and encouragement, as well as the nurturing environment, enabled me to not only develop my talent but also to pursue my dreams.”

Chairman of the National Dance Foundation Don Kramer announced that the Ministry of Community Affairs & Sport will be funding ten full scholarships to the summer programme.

“We are indeed grateful to the Hon. Dale Butler and his ministry for their support of the Foundation's objectives,” Mr. Kramer told last night's audience. “Two qualifying students from each of the island's five dance schools will be eligible for full scholarships to the international summer dance institute, meaning that students who might not otherwise be able to participate in this exciting programme will be able to do so.”

Auditions for the summer dance programme will be held at the dance studio of Bermuda College on Saturday, March 19.

More information about the audition process can be found at www.dancebermuda.org. The programme will run from August 15-September 2 inclusive.

@EDITRULE:

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, a non-profit organisation registered with the Bermuda Charities Commission, is dedicated to the development of exceptional dancers and choreographers in Bermuda. ( (441) 239-4091 Fax: (441) 236-8784 E-mail: dancebermudacollege.bm