Scholarship
Wally and George Dashiell Scholarship
Each year the Maryland Council for Dance recognizes outstanding dance students through a Dance Scholarship Program for students ages 9-23 in which both cash and tuition scholarships are awarded via auditions. Students are judged on their proficiency in three techniques--ballet, modern, and jazz with respect to placement, alignment, technical skill, musicality, general dance potential, and appearance. Applicants must show proficiency in these criteria in all three categories as well as in learning & performing a 16 measure combination in each style. Qualified, impartial adjudicators judge the audition. The decisions of the judges is final.
Three places are awarded cash to be used at the recipient's choice of dance program for tuition. In addition, scholarships are awarded for proficiency in individual techniques. A number of scholarships are donated to the Council by nationally known schools and teachers, including the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Center, Martha Graham School, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and other notable schools. Auditions are usually held during the annual State Dance Festival; additional scholarships in tap are awarded to students on the recommendation of faculty at the Dance Festival. The student who receives the highest overall score during the auditions is also awarded the Wally & George Dashiell Scholarship (additional cash scholarship).
To be eligible to compete for scholarship awards, dance students must be current members of the MD Council for Dance and must fall within the age category at the time of the auditions.
Scholarship money is sent directly to the dance instructor/school selected by the recipient. For scholarships donated by studios, recipients make arrangements with the donor for attendance.
In 2006 the Maryland Council for Dance awarded over 80 scholarships worth in excess of $35,000.