Students participating in some of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's current series of master classes did so yesterday the watchful eye of Hollywood actress and Bermuda resident Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Miss Zeta-Jones, who is a member of Foundation board, takes a keen interest in the students' progress, and regularly visits special classes and workshops.

Clearly delighted with what she saw on this occasion, the actress told the students she was "very proud" of their participation, and she hoped they enjoyed it as much she enjoyed watching them.

As someone whose career began as a dancer, and who won an Academy Award for her role in the film 'Chicago', Miss Zeta-Jones promised the students she would be back to see them during the next series of master classes in April, and again during the Dance Bermuda intensive this summer, whose world-class teachers include those from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).

"Keep up the good work and enjoy your classes. The ABT comes here to inspire us. Enjoy," she said.

In an exclusive interview with the actress paid tribute to the number of students studying dance in Bermuda.

"I can't believe the amount of talent on this Island," she said. "As a dancer, I am very proud. Of all the places in the world, I picked a small island in the middle of the Atlantic which has a wonderful love of dance, and a commitment to it. It is an amazing dance island."

Miss Zeta-Jones also paid tribute tribute to the vision of the NDFB and its endeavours, which she supports wholeheartedly. She is also a generous donor of scholarships to the DanceBermuda programme. "I think the Foundation has done a tremendous job of bringing everyone together, and bringing in these amazing teachers. The students have a great opportunity on an island this small. What they learn will remain with them for the rest of their lives," she said.

The actress said that the value of master classes included "bringing a broader perspective of what is out there" to students and teachers through visiting instructors who lived "some of the passion".

"Even if (the students) never pursue a career in dance it gives them confidence and a sense of being together; of learning and growing as dancers, and what dance will do to stand them in good stead in the future."

Recalling her early days of trying to break into showbiz in London, England, Miss Zeta-Jones revealed she never took 'No' for an answer when turned away from auditions. Instead, she simply went around the corner and stood in line again. "I had a dream and a passion. It makes you stronger as a person," she said.

Reflecting on her singing-dancing role in 'Chicago', the actress said the opportunity was "a dream come true".

"I never thought I would do a movie with singing and acting on celluloid". In fact, "I should dance more", she added.

Despite the demands of her own stellar international career, and those of a devoted wife and mother, Miss Zeta-Jones said she made a conscious decision to become actively involved with the NDFB.

"I pick and choose what I support. If I am going to put my name on something I like to support it. I don't want to be just a name on a letterhead. It just seemed the best thing for me living here in Bermuda to give back to the community, and give them what I would have loved when I was a kid. Dance is my life, and when you are in a position like I am you have an opportunity to speak up and bring attention and support. That is one of the great things about my job and career ? I can lend myself to things that I am passionate about. I only wish I had this when I was a child."

While her passion for dance began when she was very young and became the nucleus of her career, Miss Zeta-Jones said beyond talent students also needed passion and the will to succeed.

"You have to put your heart and soul into it. As dancers you get prepared for a lot of knocks in life. Take them as they come. You get drilled and drummed. If you have talent it is a wonderful thing to have passion behind you as well. And never give up."

With two young children of her own, the Hollywood actress, who describes dance as her "favourite art form", said "of course" she hoped they too would become involved in dance.

"They say the apple never falls far from the tree, and both of my children have a great sense of rhythm. I would love them to take up dance."

More than 100 students are participating in the three-day series of master and teacher training classes taking place at the Bermuda High School for Girls' dance studio under the auspices of the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) and PartnerRe. Thanks to the latter, they are free of charge.

The instructors are master teachers from ballet and modern dance companies. Returning to teach ballet at the Young Dancer and Intermediate levels are Franco De Vita, director of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet, and Raymond Lukens, senior faculty member at the same school. They are joined by Jo?o Maur?cio Carvalho, a Fulbright Scholar, former principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and currently on the faculty of the Paul Taylor Dance School.

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda 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 Bermuda's talented dancers, teachers and choreographers. For further information about the NDFB and its programmes see website www.dancebermuda.org or ( 236-3319.