In the age of technology and STEM careers, more creative talents tend to be overlooked. If you’re seeking a career in the arts - especially dancing - it’s important you remain informed about the financial aid opportunities that can make pursuing your dream a little easier.
Here’s a list of just a couple dance scholarships for women that will fuel your artistic fire:
High school dancers with high technical achievement may receive a $1,000 scholarship and certificate from the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Furthermore, recipients attend the NDEO’s National Conference to participate in a choreographed group performance and are publicly honored in front of 500+ NDEO members. If you’re interested in applying for this scholarship, it’s important to note that you must be 16-18 years old and a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
Deadline: None
The producer of So You Think You Can Dance, Nigel Lythgoe, started this foundation to provide access to all students who wish to pursue a career in dancing. Every year several students over the age of 15, who also perform as accredited dance studios and colleges nationwide, receive $10,000 scholarships. The scholarships judges choose dancers based on their technical merit, artistic interpretation, as well as their financial need.
Deadline: Usually in October
The intention of this dance scholarship is to help young kids pursue their dance education. The Beverly Miller Scholarship distributes one $1,000 award and eighteen $500 awards to students between the ages of 12 and 21 every year. For consideration, you must be able to verify your current enrollment in a dance program via a dance instructor and mail your completed application to the Costume Gallery.
Deadline: Usually in December
The Irish Dance Teacher’s Association offers annual scholarships for dance students who display excellence in Irish dance. There are two categories of applicants: graduating high school seniors and college students enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s program. The Cyril McNiff Memorial Scholarship awards $750-$2,500 to each recipient. Interested participants must meet the minimum academic criteria and provide supplementary materials according to the IDTA’s instructions.
Deadline: Usually in June
Every year The Association of Dance Conventions & Competitions endows five superior dancers with a $1,000 scholarship that students can use toward college tuition. If you’re a graduating high school senior, you can apply for this award as long as you’ve competed in at least 2 ADCC dance competitions and plan on attending an accredited 4-year university.
