Bermuda Foundation Awards $1M to Young Dancers' Dreams

When 18-year-old Vidya Cannonier-Watson landed a spot in London City Ballet's trainee program, she faced a daunting reality: pursuing her dream in one of the world's most expensive cities. Then the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda stepped in with a professional development award that will ease the financial strain and keep her focused on dancing.

She's one of seven young dancers who received life-changing scholarships at a ceremony last week at O'Hara House. The awards recognize talent, commitment, and financial need, giving Bermudian performers access to training they couldn't otherwise afford.

Ava-Joy Moreno received the prestigious $15,000 Catherine Zeta-Jones Scholarship to continue her bachelor's degree in dance at Marymount Manhattan College. Julia Kempe from the scholarship committee called her "a shining star in the dance community" who has exemplified excellence since receiving her first award in 2020.

The other recipients include Soleil Richardson, Skye Minors, Penelope Rose Barker, Aura Doran, and Zh'Ky Tuzo. Each will use their awards to pursue training at renowned programs overseas, following in the footsteps of countless Bermudian dancers who've gone before them.

The Ripple Effect

The foundation's impact extends far beyond individual dancers. Since launching in 2005, it has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, professional development grants, and bursaries to Bermudian dancers, teachers, and choreographers.

The results speak volumes: 95% of past recipients remain involved in the dance world. They're performing, choreographing, directing, teaching, and even working as physiotherapists in renowned companies and schools worldwide.

"Almost 100% of Bermudians who are dancing professionally in dance companies and musical theaters internationally have all been recipients here," said committee member Mary Faulkner. "Our success record is incredible."

Those numbers represent more than statistics. They represent young people from a small island nation competing on the world stage, bringing Bermudian talent to international audiences and returning home to inspire the next generation.

The foundation honors the founding members of the Bermuda Ballet Association through named scholarships. Thanks to generous corporate and individual donors, the committee continues expanding support for more dancers than ever before.

Faulkner emphasized the committee's determination to sustain this work, ensuring future generations of Bermudian dancers have the same opportunities to pursue their passions professionally.

For Cannonier-Watson, now settling into London, the support means everything as she works toward becoming a full company member at London City Ballet.