Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator and judge on the megahit TV show 'So You Think You Can Dance', will host the National Dance Foundation's annual fund-raising gala next week.

Billed as a 'five-star evening', it will be held March 13 at the Fairmont Southampton.

Mr. Lythgoe is participating at the invitation of National Dance Foundation board member and patron, Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The Academy Award-winning actress has hosted the black tie event since its inception in 2005.

This year she will be unable to attend as she is currently appearing on Broadway in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music'.

"We are delighted that Mr. Lythgoe's schedule permits him to be in Bermuda to host our annual gala," said foundation chairman Don Kramer. "He has done so much to raise awareness of and appreciation for dance through his hit TV show, the Emmy Award-winning 'So You Think You Can Dance'."

Mr. Lythgoe is the co-founder and president of Big Red 2 Entertainment, a newly formed company with 19 Entertainment founder Simon Fuller.

He has been a driving force in the world of performing arts as co-creator of 'So You Think You Can Dance'.

His focus on the importance of discipline and training is in line with the National Dance Foundation's mission to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda.

"While we are truly sorry not to have Catherine with us this year, having someone with Mr. Lythgoe's extensive dance experience and performing arts expertise host our gala is indeed a great honour," said Mr. Kramer.

The National Dance Foundation gala raises funds for DanceBermuda, a three-week international summer intensive run in partnership with American Ballet Theatre.

"DanceBermuda, which continues to gain prestige in the international dance community, will be presented for the sixth year at the dance facilities of Bermuda High School," said Mr. Kramer. "The programme, which is attended by Bermuda dancers as well as visiting students from the United States and Canada, runs from August 2 to 20.

"Admission to DanceBermuda is by audition and this year, our Bermuda auditions will be held on March 14.

"We're also thrilled to be able to announce that Mr. Lythgoe has agreed to stop by our auditions and spend some time talking with dancers."

Mr. Kramer said this was a great opportunity for Bermuda's young people to ask questions of a true master and to get some wise advice about what it takes to be an accomplished dancer.

While the March 13 gala is almost sold out, there are individual tickets left.

Tickets are $275, and can be obtained by calling the Foundation's office at 278-0709.

Information about DanceBermuda auditions and registration forms can be found at www.dancebermuda.org.