Four of the five scholarships offered by former Broadway star, actress, producer and director Debbie Allen for Bermudian dance students to attend a month-long summer intensive at her prestigious dance academy in Culver City, California have been awarded.

The recipients are Gabriele Dunkley (In Motion School of Dance), Shaydrina Hassell (Jackson School of the Performing Arts), Rikkai Scott (United Dance Productions), and Krystal Smith (Somerset School of Dance. Unfortunately, the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet was unable to award its scholarship this year. Miss Allen’s announcement that she was giving one scholarship to each of the Island’s five main dance schools was made during her February visit to the Island, when she received the first ‘Catherine Zeta-Jones Award for Legends in Dance’ at the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda’s (NDFB) annual fund-raising gala.

Miss Allen said she was “excited” to learn that four scholarships had been awarded, and said she was looking forward to learning about the students who had received them.

“They will be working hard, and will be challenged in the best way a dancer can be challenged. I know they will find their teachers inspiring. They will also make lasting friendships, and I am personally looking forward to getting to know, and to working, with each one of them,” she said. “I am also looking forward to working with the National Dance Foundation to explore how we can continue to work together to provide opportunities to Bermuda’s talented dancers.”

The Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s summer intensive will run from July 1 to 28, and offer a specially-designed [NOTE]corr[\NOTE]programme for committed dance students aged eight to 21.

The local quartet will be studying with other promising young dancers from the United States, South America, Canada, Europe and Asia, all of whom will be required to study ballet, Horton-based modern, jazz, tap, African, Dunham, character, hip-hop, voice, and musical theatre. With the teacher’s recommendation, pointe and pas de deux are also offered to those with strong ballet technique.

Directors of each of the dance schools summed up their student’s talents as follows:

Gabriele Dunkley (16): A package full of personality, passion and commitment for dance, with an infectious positive attitude. Has grown tremendously as a dancer through hard work and dedication. Continues to embrace challenges as they come her way. A true performer who radiates on stage. A strong sense of determination and passion for dance that is evident in her performance quality. — Lizz Pimental, In Motion School of Dance.

Shaydrina Hassell (17): A 15-year student of the school. A very talented young lady who is focused, driven, and a pleasure for all of her teachers to work with. Deserves, and was chosen by our teachers because we know how much she will appreciate the opportunity. We also know how much she will learn, gain, and grow from attending this prestigious programme. We would like to thank Ms Allen for making this possible. — Jeanne Legere, Jackson School of Performing Arts.

Miss Hassell also received a Catherine Zeta-Jones scholarship for the NDFB’s DanceBermuda 2007, so will have a full summer of intensive training>

Rikkai Scott <$>(16): A United Dance Productions (UDP) student from age four. Extremely talented, dedicated. Over past 12 years been exposed to many international dancers, teachers and choreographers. Member of our Junior Company. Has travelled to Philadelphia ,and performed in 2004 National High School Dance Festival. A senior at UDP. Now carries student/teacher responsibilities. Teaches Beginners’ Tap. Well-known as a natural performer, considered ideal candidate for the Debbie Allen scholarship. At age 16 timing is perfect to expose him to diverse programming offered at Debbie Allen Dance Academy since he will soon be seeking college opportunities. UDP thanks Debbie Allen for affording Rikkai this opportunity. — Suzette Harvey, United Dance Productions.

Krystal Smith (17): Hard-working, talented young woman with a passion for dance. Takes classes in a variety of dance disciplines, but her forté is classical ballet and contemporary work. No doubt curriculum at Miss Allen’s academy will be challenging and inspiring for Krystal. — Sal Hodgson, Somerset School of Dance.

Miss Smith, who is in the most advanced level of the NDFB’s DanceBermuda programme, joined Dominique Anderson and Anna Clifford at the NDFB gala in February to perform ‘From the Sea’, a work specifically choreographed for them by Brian Reeder, artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre at DanceBermuda. and an acclaimed choreographer in his own right.