Plenty of practice for the stars
Practice makes perfect — or so they hope — as six politicians and captains of industry prepare for what one describes as “90 seconds of fame” during the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) gala.
The annual fund-raiser, hosted by Hollywood actress and Bermuda resident Catherine Zeta-Jones, takes place at the Fairmont Southampton Resort tomorrow evening.
Minister Dale Butler, Jon Brunson, Philip Butterfield, Garry Madeiros, Brian O’Hara and Alan Thompson have received help from professional dance instructors Eva Cardozza and Betina Hershey of Pierre Dulaine’s American Ballroom Theatre in New York over the past three three months, and will present a mini version of the popular reality TV series, ‘Dancing with the Stars’, as part of the entertainment line-up.
“Their commitment has been really wonderful to see,” NDFB advisor Wendy Davis-Johnson said of the VIPs.
Each of them, partnered by Ms Carozza or Ms Hershey, will perform a particular style of ballroom dancing, and they will be judged, in teams of three, by Sophia Cannonier, Bruce Barritt and Dame Jennifer Smith, an honorary member of the NDFB board.
Among the distinguished guests attending the gala will be award-winning dancer, author, and TV and film producer/director Debbie Allen, who is to receive the first Catherine Zeta-Jones Award for Legends in Dance, and her daughter, dancer Vivian Nixon, who currently appears in the Broadway show, ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’.
Inspiration for a mini-version of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ came from NDFB chairman Donald Kramer. While watching the popular reality TV dance show, he thought a similar routine at the gala would be fun.
Known as a gifted persuader, he duly convinced all six VIPs to accept his invitation.
In addition to emceeing the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ segment, Mr. Kramer will join the sporting VIPs for a final group number, for which he has also been training.
Also dancing during the gala will be three advanced level Bermudian ballet students will premiere a piece choreographed especially for them by Brian Reeder, who is on the faculty of the American Ballet Theatre. They are: Anna Clifford, Krystal Smith, and Dominique Anderson.
[bul] A few gala tickets are still available at $275 per person. Further information
