For five Bermudian and two American student dancers, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's (NDFB) summer intensive, DanceBermuda 2007, ended on a particularly happy note with news that they had won scholarships provided, for the third year in succession, by Academy Award-winning actress and Bermuda resident Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The scholarships provide free tuition for next year's summer intensive.

The students ¿ Precious Adams (US), Anna Clifford, Roman Cruz (US), Ashley Martins, Rebecca McLauchlan, Alida Ratteray and Ashley Yearwood ¿ were chosen by the DanceBermuda faculty on the basis of their talent, work ethic and attitude.

Presenting the scholarships at the end of a dynamic workshop production at City Hall on Friday evening, during which all of the summer intensive students demonstrated their new-found skills, was president and CEO of XL Capital Brian O'Hara, who also chaired this year's DanceBermuda fund-raiser, 'Night of Dance', at the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

Mr. O'Hara said the winners were chosen on the basis of the following qualities:

Precious Adams, age 12: Clean classical technique, and an understanding of the importance of learning and practicing a range of dance styles.

Anna Clifford, age 16: Ability to show, through her movement quality, her passion for dance. Her performance is encouraging.

Roman Cruz, age 17: Natural gift for movement and desire to dance, which are apparent when observing him in class. Has made great strides on his journey to becoming a better dancer.

Ashley Martins, age 12: Excellent facility for dance, and an elegant movement quality. Outstanding student and role model to her peers.

Rebecca McLauchlan, age 12: Demonstrated with her natural facility that she has potential which, when combined with disciplined effort, promises a bright future.

Alida Ratteray, age 11: An exceptionally hard-working dancer. A bright and eager student with a wonderful work ethic who shows great promise.

Ashley Yearwood, age 12: Has determination as well as an ability to apply corrections accurately, both of which enable her to show swift progress and improvement.

In addition, three Bermudian students, 16-year-old Anna Clifford, 15-year-old Jasmine DeBraga and 12-year-old Rachel Ray, received new scholarships presented by Ms Sophia Cannonier, who taught Pilates and Feldenkrais classes during DanceBermuda 2007.

The winners will be entitled to ten, one-hour private group lessons of instruction at Bermuda Integrated Health Cooperative, Ltd., which is owned and managed by Ms Cannonier.

She noted that the three young dancers had demonstrated exemplary focus and attention in her classes, as well as a willing receptivity to instruction.

NDFB chairman Donald Kramer said that this year's DanceBermuda summer intensive had been "one of the best yet".

"Students from the Bermuda, the US and Canada have come together to share the joy and passion that they have for dance. Any differences in race, gender, age or cultural background are irrelevant; what they have in common is the ultimate hallmark of their experience.

"It is this shared experience that keeps me excited about DanceBermuda, and about the National Dance Foundation. Bringing students together from across Bermuda, and from overseas, and offering them a chance to work together as they explore and develop their talents and abilities, is what makes this programme unique.

In congratulating all of the students who participated in DanceBermuda, as well as the scholarship winners, Mr. Kramer said the programmee had gained a reputation as one of the best available for students during the summer months.

"Bermuda should be proud of the international attention the Island receives as a result of this world-class intensive."

The NDFB helps to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda by providing world-class training to the Island's dancers, teachers and choreographers....