Acclaimed US dancer, actress, singer, director and choreographer Debbie Allen is to become the first recipient of the 'Catherine Zeta-Jones Award for Legends in Dance'.

The Hollywood actress and Bermuda resident will present the award to Miss Allen in person when both attend the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's (NDFB) fund-raising gala, 'A Night of Dance', at the Fairmont Southampton Resort on February 24.

The NDFB's annual black-tie gala will again be hosted by Miss Zeta-Jones, who is an active member of the Board, and also awards scholarships in her name at the end of each NDFB summer intensive programme.

Lauding the choice of Ms Allen to receive the first Legends in Dance award, Miss Zeta-Jones said: "I am thrilled that Debbie is able to join us in Bermuda for this year's gala, and delighted that she is the first recipient of this award.

"She continues to be one of the most respected, relevant, and versatile talents in the entertainment industry today.

"As a talented and successful actress, director, producer, author, choreographer, singer, and dancer, Debbie continues to redefine herself as an accomplished artist. Her multi-faceted career all started with her passion for dance, and her career path is a shining example of the different directions dance can take you."

Henceforth, the Zeta-Jones award will be made annually to a man or woman who has made an important and lasting contribution to dance on the international stage.

Miss Allen's extensive career began on Broadway in the 1970s when she received instant recognition for her role in 'Purlie'. In the intervening years she has received a host of awards, including two Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Tony nomination for her work as an actress. She has choreographed for The Royal Shakespeare Company, and five consecutive Academy Awards, among others. She holds honorary doctorates from the North Carolina School of the Arts and Howard University, and was a classmate of Premier Ewart Brown at the latter. Miss Allen is a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, as well as the Ameican Film Institute.

She has authored two books, and in 2001 opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, which offers a comprehensive curriculum for boys and girls aged four to 18 in all major dance techniques.

The sister of actress Phylicia Rashad, Miss Allen's film work is extensive, and her most recent project was the highly acclaimed Dream Works film, Amistad, which she produced. She is also one of the most sought-after director/producers in the television industry.

Meanwhile, arrangements for the gala, which is the NDFB's major fund-raiser, are proceeding apace. One of the highlights will be a performance by three Bermudian dancers who have participated in DanceBermuda at its most advanced level. Fifteen-year-old Anna Clifford, 17-year-old Krystal Smith, and 18-year-old Dominique Anderson will be performing a work choreographed specifically for them by Brian Reeder, who is on the faculty of American Ballet Theatre, and also an acclaimed choreographer.

Six VIPs from the local political, corporate and business arenas, whose names are being kept under wraps for now, will present a Bermuda version of 'Dancing with the Stars', in preparation for which they have been diligently practising various ballroom dancing styles.

Meanwhile, NDFB chairman Donald Kramer revealed that demand from the corporate community for sponsorship tables at the gala has been so intense that the event was virtually sold out.

"We know this is going to be not only a 'Night of Dance', but also a night to remember," he said. "There are just a few single tickets left, so anyone interested in purchasing a ticket, which is priced at $275 per person, should contact the Foundation office at 236-3319 or from website ndfb@dancebermuda.org without delay."

The NDFB is a registered charity and a company limited by guaranty whose mission is to raise the standard of dance excellence in Bermuda by providing world-class training to the Island's talented dancers, teachers and choreographers. More information about the Foundation and its programmes can be found at www.dancebermuda.org or by calling 236-3319.