Zeta-Jones awards winners are named

Seven dedicated dancers have just ­received a career boost ­after winning the Catherine Zeta-Jones awards for study at the 2011 DanceBermuda international summer intensive.

Some 67 students from Bermuda, the U.S. and the U.K. performed in a ­programme of ballet, ­contemporary, Broadway jazz and jazz funk while the awards were presented following a workshop production at the City Hall ­Theatre.

The dance programme was dedicated to the memory of dance legend Denise Jefferson who died earlier this summer. She was the director of The Ailey School in New York, had been an instructor in the Foundation’s PartnerRe Master Class series and a long-time friend of many in Bermuda.

Ms Zeta-Jones was ­unable to attend the workshop production and awards presentation — her awards were presented by Mr. Clement Talbot representing the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic, the sponsor of the Young Dancer’s Programme at this year’s DanceBermuda.

“I am pleased the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic is associated with DanceBermuda through its funding of the Young Dancer’s Programme at DanceBermuda,” said Mr. Talbot. “My colleague, Wayne Jackson, and I had the chance to sit in on a class taught by master teachers Richard Toda and Ian Spencer Bell and it was clear that our young dancers are receiving some of the best dance instruction available today. I know all of the students have had an experience they won’t forget.

“Our young people are indeed fortunate to have this level of master ­instruction available here in Bermuda, and we are grateful to American ­Ballet Theatre for their partnership with the ­National Dance Foundation.”

Mr. Talbot told a sold-out audience that seven awards are presented each year at the end of the DanceBermuda summer intensive for tuition for the following year’s programme. 

“These awards have been funded for the past six years by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is a ­passionate and committed member of the Board of the National Dance Foundation,” said Mr. Talbot. “The students receiving these awards have been chosen by the faculty of DanceBermuda.

The following students were presented with a certificate for tuition at the 2011 DanceBermuda programme, with comments provided by DanceBermuda faculty:

• Leah Smith of Bermuda: “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 of Bermuda: “Megan has demonstrated a wonderful command of her talent and physical gifts.  We look forward to her progress.”

• Cydney Caesar-Forde of Bermuda: “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 of Bermuda: “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 of Bermuda: “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 of New York: “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 of New York: “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.”