Fourteen Bermudians who are either studying dance or dance instruction have just had their financial path eased thanks to receiving scholarships or bursaries through the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda.

Three have received Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA) Commemorative scholarships, while the remaining eleven are the recipients of bursaries awarded by the NDFB scholarship committee.

The scholarships, named in honour of the late: author and The Royal Gazette and Mid-Ocean News journalist Patricia Calnan; BBA founder Madame Ana Roje; and BBA former secretary-treasurer L. John Profit, were awarded to the following recipients a rigorous process which included submission of a written application with personal statement; participation in an audition class conducted by Mr. Brian Reeder, a faculty member of American Ballet Theater?s Education and Outreach Department, and an interview with the NDFB scholarship committee.

Receiving the Patricia Calnan Commemorative Award is 19-year-old Dominique (Nikki) Anderson. Valued at $15,000, this prestigious award is 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 other professional programme overseas. Miss Anderson is currently studying at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, where she has three more years of study to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. Her goal is to be accepted into the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She spent July attending the Ailey summer school programme in the US, and is currently attending DanceBermuda 2006, the NDFB?s summer intensive.

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, has been given to 19-year-old Jacqueline Mayor. Valued at $7500, this award is for one year of study, and is available to dancers aged 12 to 18, and to teachers aged 18 years and older. Miss Mayor?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.

Receiving the L. John Profit Commemorative Award is 18-year-old Sierra-Renae Robinson. Valued at $7500 and sponsored by BF&M, it 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. Miss Robinson is a student at the Philadelphia School of the Arts in Pennsylvania, where she is entering her second year.

In presenting this award on behalf of BF&M, vice president Gina Bradshaw said that doing so gave her particular pleasure because she knew the late Mr. Profit and had 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,? said Mrs Bradshaw.

?We consider our support of Bermuda?s youth to be an investment in the future well being of the community.?

The following students received bursaries in support of their training here and/or abroad from the NDFB?s scholarship committee: Tyler Barker (aged 22); Jasmine DeBraga (13); Shomeiko Ingham (24); Jaesharrie Johnson (13); Courtney Lopes (15); Nikia Manders (24); Shayna Matthew (17); Makeda Simmons (10); Nelshea Simons-Bean (12); Angel? Smith (13); and Chantal Stowe (12).