Scholarships Dancers Should Apply for in 2024

Since dance is one of the most popular art forms across the globe, there are many scholarships for dancers out there. Searching for scholarships isn’t always an easy process since there are so many available for different people and situations.

Finding which scholarships are legit or best for you can be challenging for students who are dancers, especially when searching online. We’ve made the process easier by selecting the best dance scholarships for students looking to go into the arts to apply for this year. Whether you specialize in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, or another dance form, the scholarships we’ve selected are designed to help you pay for school.

In reviewing multiple scholarship platforms, our methodical approach helped us identify and recommend Bold.org scholarships as they are most valuable for dance students. Browse our list below to find a dance scholarship for you!

Apply for dance scholarships to help you pay for your dance school.

Types of Dance Scholarships Available

With seemingly unlimited scholarship options available, you may be unaware of the different types of scholarships that are out there. Scholarships are divided into categories to appeal to specific demographics of students who are more likely to win the award. Various scholarships list particular criteria students must meet, such as challenging financial situations or excellent academic performance. It’s important to know which type of scholarship you’re applying for so you know which ones you have a higher chance of winning.

Below are several types of dance scholarships that cater to different styles and levels of expertise:

• Performance-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on talent and potential as demonstrated through auditions or performance videos.
• Academic Scholarships for Dancers: For dancers who also excel academically, combining their dance prowess with strong academic records.
• Choreography Scholarships: Targeted at those who wish to pursue careers in dance choreography.
• Competition Scholarships: Offered to dancers who participate in specific dance competitions.
• Cultural Dance Scholarships: Aimed at students who specialize in specific cultural dance forms.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are scholarships awarded to those who show exceptional academic performance. They are based on the student’s level of success and do not consider financial status. Test scores and GPA are the most common ways to assess merit, but merit-based scholarships are not always limited to grades.
• University Scholarships: Colleges or universities distribute university scholarships to help students fund their studies. Many of these are entrance scholarships, so students don’t need to apply to be considered for the award. Your admission into the university or college, by default, makes you eligible.
• Government Scholarships: With government scholarships, different agencies register with the government and offer scholarships for students. Governments may offer scholarships for international students to study in their country.
• Private Scholarships: Private scholarships are scholarships funded by individual donors or privately-owned businesses. Depending on the donor, these scholarships are awarded based on academic merit or financial need. However, most private scholarships have strict eligibility requirements, such as being from a developing country or only for minorities in specific areas of study.
• Financial Scholarships/Bursaries: Also known as bursaries or need-based scholarships, financial scholarships are a form of aid to enable students who require financial assistance to attend colleges or graduate schools. Financial scholarships are independent of merit scholarships. In some cases, students may qualify for both merit-based and need-based scholarships depending on the program or university.

High school seniors searching for a dance scholarship will benefit from utilizing Bold.org’s scholarship search tool, where they’ll find all sorts of scholarships, including competitive scholarships that ask applicants to showcase their outstanding talent. Browse the scholarship search tool now!

How to Find Dance Scholarships to Apply For

To locate dance scholarships, consider the following resources:

• Dance Schools and Academies: Many institutions offer scholarships to talented students to attract the best talent.
• Dance Organizations and Foundations: Organizations such as the National Dance Education Organization often provide scholarship listings.
• Arts Councils and Cultural Organizations: Check with local and national arts councils as they frequently support artists, including dancers, through scholarships and grants.
• Online Scholarship Platforms: Websites like Bold.org allow you to filter search results to find dance-specific scholarships.

It’s essential to conduct additional research to ensure any website or scholarship you discover is legit and accepted by the school or university you want to attend or are currently attending. You could also contact your school’s financial aid office to see if they offer any relevant internal scholarships.

Incoming freshmen will find scholarships in this list of scholarships for college freshmen. Apply today and join the many scholarship recipients of various backgrounds and disciplines who have used scholarship funds to kickstart their educational journeys and achieve their academic goals.

Tips For Winning Dance Scholarships

• Perfect Your Audition: Many dance scholarships require an audition piece. Ensure your performance is polished and showcases your best skills.
• Maintain a Strong Portfolio: Keep a comprehensive portfolio that includes your performances, press mentions, letters of recommendation, and any awards or recognitions.
• Apply Widely: Don’t limit your applications to the most well-known scholarships. Apply for as many as you qualify for to increase your chances.
• Tailor Your Applications: Customize your application materials to reflect the spirit and requirements of each scholarship.

Finally, when applying for scholarships, give your best effort. Hard work pays off, and you need to be willing to go the extra mile to reach your goals. There are countless other applicants with similar skills and interests, so you need to be able to prove what makes you stand out and what makes you worthy of being declared the winner.

Looking for a college scholarship? There are several scholarships for aspiring young dancers pursuing visual arts. Find art scholarships today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dance Scholarships

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Dance Scholarships?

As mentioned previously, the best way to improve your chances of winning dance scholarships is to be prepared and confident. Take time to research the scholarship to ensure it’s valid and that you match all of the qualifications the scholarship sets out. Turn your full attention towards the essay and any other tasks you must complete. Lastly, be confident and don’t allow potential rejection to get to you. There are many scholarships out there, and while applying may be exhausting, it can be well worth it in the long run.

How Many Dance Scholarships Can You Get?

There’s no limit to how many dance scholarships you can be awarded from a school or external sources. Getting a “full ride” (which means your entire tuition is paid off in scholarships or by the university) is possible at any performing arts school. After all, it’s money you earned. So, even if you have applied to a few already, don’t hesitate to apply for more scholarships!

Are There Scholarships for Specific Styles of Dance?

Yes, many scholarships are available that target specific dance styles, such as ballet, modern dance, hip-hop, and cultural dances. It’s important to search for scholarships that cater to your particular area of expertise or interest.

Can Non-Major Dance Students Apply for Dance Scholarships?

Some scholarships are exclusively for dance majors, while others are open to non-majors who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment to dance. Always read the eligibility requirements carefully to determine if you qualify.

Are There Scholarships for Dancers At All Levels of Education?

Yes, scholarships are available for high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students in dance.

Dance students should apply for scholarship awards to help them pay for their dance program. Dancers, including young girls and young boys, can find and win scholarships at all levels. Apply today!