Oscar-winning actress and Bermuda resident Catherine Zeta-Jones will be the honorary chairwoman of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda gala evening of dance next month.

The event is being billed as An Evening with Catherine Zeta-Jones, and the black-tie gala will be held on February 26 at the Fairmont Southampton Resort.

All proceeds from the event will be used to establish the Foundation's international summer dance institute as well as to support programmes run by the Island's dance schools.

National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) chairman Don Kramer said he was delighted that Mrs. Zeta-Jones had agreed to be the honorary chairwoman.

"When she joined the Board last June, she graciously offered to help us in any way she could, given her extremely busy schedule and many overseas commitments," he said.

"Hosting the gala is testament to Catherine's commitment to dance and to the development of dance in Bermuda."

Mrs. Zeta-Jones said the event would help Bermudian dance students receive international class training on the Island.

"This event will ensure that Bermuda's talented dancers can pursue world-class training right here in Bermuda, without the cost of travelling abroad," said Mrs. Zeta-Jones.

"I know what hard work, dedication and sacrifice are involved in becoming a dancer, and I know what a difference quality training makes to your development. I am looking forward to this exciting evening."

Mr. Kramer added that the Studio Company of world-renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT) will perform during the gala, including a new work called Hush, which was choreographed by Stephen Mills.

While on the Island, ABT will also offer master classes for the Island's dancers, he said.

Mr. Kramer noted that ABT would partner with the Dance Foundation to establish the Foundation's inaugural summer dance institute from August 15 to September 2.

"ABT has a well-established summer intensive programme, which they have run throughout the United States for some time," said Mr. Kramer.

"The programme in Bermuda will be their first outside of the United States and we are honoured that they have chosen Bermuda as their first international site.

"ABT has been exceptionally receptive and generous throughout our discussions about the international summer dance institute. "They offered to perform at the gala at no cost and have offered to make their teachers available for a series of master classes, again at no cost.

"This means that all proceeds from the February 26 event will go directly to the summer dance programmes. We are fortunate indeed to have them on board as our partner."

Mr. Kramer said information about An Evening with Catherine Zeta-Jones, as well as the international summer dance institute, can be found on the Foundation's web site at www.dancebermuda.org or by telephoning the Foundation's office at 239-4091.