Five aspiring dancers from Bermuda and two from New York have won this year's coveted Catherine Zeta-Jones awards, which pave the way for them to study at DanceBermuda 2011, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's (NDFB) international summer intensive.

The winners were chosen from among the 67 participants from Bermuda, the US and the UK who attended the summer intensive. Local recipients are: Leah Smith, Megan Patterson, Cydney Caesar-Forde, Michelle Saunders, and Fredrika Hill; while Kyle Scheurich and Daphne Fernberger are from New York. The awards, which Miss Zeta-Jones has personally funded for the past six years, were presented at the end of a workshop production given by the DanceBermuda students at City Hall Theatre on August 21.

Although the Hollywood actress and Broadway star was unable to attend the performance, she sent congratulations to the winners, and told them she hoped to see them dance "very soon". In her absence, Mr. Clement Talbot, representing the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic, which supports the NDFB's Young Dancer's Programme, presented the annual awards on Miss Zeta-Jones' behalf.

Referring to the former Bermuda resident as "a passionate and committed member of the board of the National Dance Foundation", Mr. Talbot told the sold-out audience that the awardees had been chosen by the DanceBermuda faculty "based on their ability, focus, and determination to succeed".

Having spent some hours, along with colleague Mr. Wayne Jackson, sitting in on a class taught by American Ballet Theatre master instructors Richard Toda and Ian Spencer Bell, Mr. Talbot said it was clear just how fortunate Bermuda's young dancers were in receiving such high-calibre instruction on the Island, and expressed gratitude for the ABT's partnership with the NDFB.

The workshop production was dedicated to the memory of the late US dance legend Denise Jefferson, director of New York's Alvin Ailey School for 26 years, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in July. Miss Jefferson had been an instructor in the NDFB's PartnerRe Master Class series, and was a long-time friend of many in Bermuda.

Her daughter, Francesca Harper, a member of this year's DanceBermuda faculty, choreographed and introduced the final number, 'Fearless Mine', as a tribute to her mother's memory.

The DanceBermuda faculty made the following comments on each of the seven Catherine Zeta-Jones awardees:

Leah Smith, age ten: "For three years, Leah Smith has shown great commitment to her technical programme and artistry. Leah also brings joy and compassion to the studio."

Megan Patterson, age ten: "Megan has demonstrated a wonderful command of her talent and physical gifts. We look forward to her progress."

Cydney Caesar-Forde, age 11: "Cydney continues to show extraordinary passion and discipline in her work. We are thrilled to watch this young artist's spirit blossom. Quite simply, she is a joy to behold."

Michelle Saunders, age 14: "Michelle possesses a natural dance facility and radiates grace through her quality of movement. Her work ethic is consistent, strong and focused. We look forward to her future development in this art form."

Fredrika Hill, age 16: "Fredrika's determination and respect for class work and rehearsals set a high standard for others to follow. What a pleasure it has been to watch her rise to each challenge that was presented to her."

Kyle Scheurich, age 17: "Having shown early potential since Dance Bermuda Summer 2006, and seeming to be on a 'dancer's mission', Kyle has achieved a personal goal, and for that matter, any dance student's dream of being accepted to The Juilliard School in New York City this coming fall semester. Kyle's consistency, discipline and creative mind will take him a long way in his future dance journey."

Daphne Fernberger, age 18: "Daphne embraces all forms of dance, making an easy and intelligent transition between ballet, modern, jazz and everything in between. This approach will enable Daphne to work anywhere, including her upcoming fall semester, where she will join fellow dancer, Kyle Scheurich, at The Juilliard School."