Regardless of whether your passion is hip hop or ballet, there are a number of scholarships for students who are passionate about dance. Some of these opportunities are solely for students who plan to obtain a career in a dance-related field. Other scholarships are designed to help students obtain a degree in any field.
Many scholarships have limited application windows and may not be available year-round. If you still have a funding gap, private student loans can help cover remaining costs while you continue your scholarship search.
Keep reading below for a list of dance scholarships that may help you afford a college degree.
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Dance Discovery Foundation Scholarship Program
The Dance Discovery Foundation Scholarship Program offers several scholarships to encourage students to pursue degrees in the arts and to increase the number of low-income students entering the arts.
Numerous scholarships exist, such as the Shine Scholarships Award, Accel Scholarship Award, Full Ride Years Tuition, and Dream Scholarship Award. The amount of these scholarships ranges from $500 to $10,000.
The application cycle for the first three scholarships is open from April 1 to May 31 each year. Winners will be announced sometime in mid- to late June each year. The DREAM Scholarship is open until July 1. To be eligible, students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Additionally, students will be selected based on talent, skill, financial need, and determination. All applicants must be older than eight years of age and be citizens of the United States.
Northwood University Blue Crush Dance Scholarship
The Northwood University Blue Crush Dance Scholarship offers seven awards of $5,000 each. To be eligible, students must be in their last year of high school with a grade point average of at least 2.5. Students must plan to attend Northwood University in Florida, and an in-person audition may be required. The deadline to apply for this award is March 30.
Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards for Dance
Hope College Distinguished Artist Awards for Dance provide $2,500 in funding to eligible students. Students are required to attend an interview and complete an audition. Other requirements include two letters of recommendation and a photo.
National Young Arts Foundation
The National Young Arts Foundation offers over 150 awards to students at various training levels. Award amounts vary, with a maximum of $10,000. Students must submit a tape of their abilities. More information is available on the following website: http://www.youngarts.org/discipline/dance.
Princess Grace Foundation
Princess Grace Foundation scholarships are available to dance students attending a nonprofit school. Students must be studying dance and must have been enrolled for at least one year. In addition, some fellowships are offered.
To apply, students must complete an online application form and submit a resume. Furthermore, they must complete a personal statement that addresses their most challenging dance experience and the lessons they have learned.
Work samples must be submitted along with a photograph. Additional information on eligibility and work sample guidelines can be found at the following website: https://www.pgfusa.org/grants-program/grant-applications/guidelines/dance.
Other opportunities
In addition to the above opportunities, students may want to inquire at their current dance school or high school about scholarships for dancers. Other scholarships for dancers can be found online. Students may also consider searching more broadly for arts scholarships or checking out the resources below:
About our contributors
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Written by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®, is the director of growth at LendEDU. He graduated from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.