Students at Dellwood Middle School are in for a very special treat today when award-winning US dancer, actress, director/producer and author Debbie Allen attends a special assembly at 2 p.m.

Miss Allen, who arrived in Bermuda yesterday with her daughter, Vivian Nixon, is to be honoured at the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda's (NDFB) annual fundraising gala tomorrow evening when she will receive the first Catherine Zeta-Jones Award for Legends in Dance from the Hollywood actress and Bermuda resident.

"Miss Allen enjoys connecting with the communities she visits, particularly with the children, and we're thrilled that she is able to fit this visit to Dellwood into her schedule," NDFB chairman Don Kramer said.

"We have been told by Mrs. Sheryll Ricardo, the drama teacher and head of the arts at the school, that a group of students will be presenting excerpts from the production of 'Fame' in the Spring. Given Miss Allen's role in elevating this film and the subsequent TV series to iconic status, it is a wonderful opportunity for the students to have a chance to meet her and hear first-hand what it has been like to forge a career of such depth and scope."

Miss Allen will also be teaching an open master class in jazz at Gilbert Institute today beginning at 6 p.m. This class is being offered free of charge, and students aged 12 and over who are interested in attending should call the National Dance Foundation office at 236-3319 to register.