The Rebecca Davis Dance Company offers scholarship programs to students studying in the Pre-Professional Training program and Summer Program.  These scholarships are awarded to candidates based on their talent and dedication and may be renewed annually**.  Special consideration is given to candidates demonstrating financial need.

The application process is rigorous, to serve as a learning experience for the students.  Auditions and interviews are conducted in a manner sensitive to the students’ age and level of experience.

The panel of judges upholds a strict, non-discrimination policy regarding race, religions, and gender; accordingly, all eligible candidates are given equal consideration to this end.

Congratulations to Caitlyn Casson, The 2007 Merit Scholar of The Rebecca Davis Dance Company

Caitlyn is awarded her scholarship by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Pat Moran of The Marian Anderson Award, and Arantxa Ochoa of Pennsylvania Ballet.

Eligibility
Scholarship candidates must:
·Be 12 to 18 years of age
·Have successfully completed the audition for entrance into a Pre- Professional Training Program (PPT)
· Be registered for a full year of study in the Pre-Professional Training Program
· Have completed the scholarship application process (see Application Process)
· Complete the audition in-person

Scholarship candidates can:
· Be of any race, gender, religion, or ethnicity
· Be former recipients of scholarships awarded by The Rebecca Davis Dance Company
· Concurrently hold scholarships from other organizations and foundations
· Be a US citizen, legal immigrant or an international student provided he/she has valid visa status for the period of study.

Scholarships will not cover:
· Dance clothes, gear, etc.
· Living or travel expenses

Application Process
The scholarship selection process is based on an in-person audition, which will be held on Saturday August 23, 2008.  This annual audition is used to evaluate students for entrance into the program as well as consideration for the Rebecca Davis Scholarship.  Eligible applicants should complete the attached application for the scholarship prior to the beginning of the audition.

Audition Process
The audition class will be taught by Rebecca Davis, and evaluated by a panel of judges.  Students are asked to arrive at the studio early in order to fill out the application and conduct their own warm-up exercises.  The audition will be closed to friends and family of the students, but may be open to members of the media or Board of Trustees.  The audition will consist of a short ballet class, followed by a modern jazz combination.  Students will be judged by a panel of 5 to 7 individuals with varying areas of expertise. 

Evaluation Process
A committee will review the application using the following criteria:
· Demonstrated talent and potential to become a professional performing artist
· Dedication to studying dance as a physical and intellectual art form
· Demonstration of financial need

Upon the conclusion of the audition, one full merit scholarship will be awarded.  Based on available funding, other scholarships may be awarded to students demonstrating significant financial need. IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FINANCIAL-NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIP, THE PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S TAX RETURN TO The Rebecca Davis Dance Company. THIS INFORMATION IS COLLECTED BY JENNIFER GONSERKEVIS, A TRUSTEE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO OVERSEES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. PLEASE CONTACT JENNIFER at jgonserkevis@grgrp.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Provisions
The number of scholarships issued each year is determined by the availability of funds.  Scholarships may cover a student’s entire tuition fees or a potion of those fees.  Out-of-state and foreign students are not eligible for the reimbursement of living or travel expenses.  Additional scholarships may be available based on financial need. 

The Rebecca Davis Scholarship
The Rebecca Davis Scholarship supports dedicated, high-potential artists in pursuit of a professional dance career.  Named after Rebecca Davis, the founder of the Dance Company, it is the organization’s highest scholarship recognition of artistic excellence.  This full scholarship is based on merit and is renewable provided the recipient meets the criteria for the scholarship’s annual review.  The dancer that is in receipt of this scholarship must be available for functions in which the Company participates.

** Based on availability of scholarship funds