Glitz, glamour, a Hollywood star, a sea of little black dresses, and even flying diamonds were all hallmarks of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's (NDFB) annual gala, 'An Evening with Catherine Zeta-Jones', which marked the organisation's fifth anniversary at the Fairmont Southampton on Saturday evening.

Hosted by the renowned actress, and attended by dignitaries led by Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney, as well as corporate poo-bahs, friends and supporters of the NDFB, the organisation's major fundraiser was a glittering affair which included a cocktail reception, an elegant candlelit dinner, and a varied dance programme – but no speeches.

With the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre filled to capacity, chairman Donald Kramer was happy to announce that, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the corporate community and others, the $275-per-ticket event had raised over $220,000 in support of the NDFB's mission.

Undoubtedly, the fact that Zeta-Jones, a former UK national tap dance champion, was also making her Bermuda debut as a dancer, contributed significantly to ticket sales.

Certainly her performance did not disappoint but it was the finale act of visiting professional tappers, Emmy Award-winning Jason Samuels Smith and the equally acclaimed Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, which took the evening by storm.

Mesmerising footwork and dazzling artistry – both individually and as a pair – held the guests in thrall, and left them in awe not only of two prodigious talents, but just what an incredible dialogue can be 'spoken' by a pair of human feet.

At the other end of the scale was a little surprise routine by Mr. Kramer which was very game for a man facing imminent surgical repair, and warmly received.

Zeta-Jones' performance, singing and tapping 'Tap Your Troubles Away' (which was also the gala's theme) from the Broadway musical 'Mack and Mabel', was everything one would expect of this Academy Award-winning actress.

Clad in a short silver dress with matching heels, she was professional, polished, and clearly having fun, even after her diamond bracelet flew off into the audience.

Taking the incident in stride, she subsequently asked if anyone had found it, and when a gentlemen she obviously knew owned up, she joked, "Fine, now I'll never get it back".

As a member of the NDFB board, Zeta-Jones is passionate about the development of Bermuda dancers, and afterwards warmly praised the young tappers who had backed her so well in her performance.

Wearing black leotards with white gloves, and drawn from various dance schools on the Island, they were charming and clearly enjoyed being on stage with the woman whom they had come to know and love, not as a famous personage, but as a real friend and mentor, thanks to the extended rehearsals they shared.

"This is Bermuda's youth, so give them a big applause," she urged, clapping her hands.

The actress also commended the Island's dancer teachers.

"To all those who help and nurture their talent, thank you so much. I would be so much better if I was born here," she said.

Zeta-Jones acknowledged the hard work NDFB development director Mary Faulkenberry and board member Wendy Davis Johnson had put into making the evening such a success.

And she also had a special showbiz 'thank you' for Tom Ray, leader of the Tom Ray Band, with whom she had collaborated extensively on the music for 'Tap Your Troubles Away', and who also provided the music throughout the evening.

"Tom. Oh my gosh, I have a new lover! You can come up and to my house and play the piano any time, okay?"

The entertainment was not all about tap and celebrity, however. It also included ballet and contemporary dance, and showcased some of Bermuda's most talented dance students.

Anna Clifford and Krystal Smith performed the short, 'Divertisement from Raymonda' with style and precision, while scholarship winner Courtney Lopes danced 'Wally', an evocative contemporary piece choreographed especially for her by Jessica Lang, a master teacher at Juilliard.

A lovely dancer with very expressive arms and hands, Miss Lopes is currently studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at New York State University.

United Dance Productions' senior tap student Rikkai Scott, backed by percussionists Calvin Worrell and Ivan Outerbridge, danced 'The Rhythm', which he also choreographed.

An impressive and energetic talent, he was exciting to watch, and seems destined to go far.

The pas de deux from Act II of the ballet 'Swan Lake' was exquisitely danced by April Rae Giangeruso and Brian Waldrep, who are members of ABT II in New York.

Providing a fascinating glimpse into the past were big-screen videos featuring a pastiche of clips of legendary tap dancers and movie stars, among them Ann Miller, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Shirley Temple.