Dance Access Program

DanceWorks is proud to have introduced a new program in 2011. Through the Dance Access Program, DanceWorks provides grants totalling $6,000 for local dancers, based on dance potential and work ethic.

The cost of dance training can be a barrier to participation and advancement. It limits the choices for some dancers and their families. The intent of the Dance Access Program is to give dancers the opportunity to reach their highest potential by providing grants for dance related expenses.

Process and timeline for 2012

• After the deadline for Performance entries on January 15, 2012, the eligible participating studios (who have entered 6 entries in the Performance section of the DanceWorks 2012 festival) are identified and funds are split equally. (For example, in 2010 there would have been 9 qualifying studios making the value of each award $666.67.)
• Deadline for nominations for Dance Access Program: March 31, 2012 Studio Owners send in their nomination for the award and email it to festivalco@victoriadanceworks.ca. by March 31, 2012. The nominee meet the criteria detailed above. The nomination letter must include the name and age of the dancer and the intended use of the funds.
• Recognition of award winners will take place during the Awards Presentation as part of the Gala Evening of Dance at the Royal Theatre.
• Follow up letter is due December 31, 2012 including an original receipt clearly stating the purpose for which the funds were used. This is required to be eligible to participate in the program in 2013.

Note: Final distribution of grant funds is at the discretion of the DanceWorks Board of Directors.

Participation in the program

Grants are awarded through a dancer’s own studio on the recommendation of the Studio Owner. To participate in the Dance Access Program, studios:
• are located within the Capital Regional District and
• have entered 6 or more entries in the current year’s DanceWorks Festival Performance.
• nominate a maximum of 2 students per year
• provide DanceWorks with a receipt and brief description of the award recipient’s activities by
• December 31 of the award year.
• agree to honour the spirit of the award program, which is to provide an opportunity that will make a difference in a young dancer’s life and in their potential to achieve their goals. The award is not available to family members of the studio owner

Dancers eligible to be considered for a Dance Access Program grant:

• are between the ages of 10 and 20
• are not related to the owner of the studio at which they are enrolled
• are registered in the current year at the nominating dance studio and planning to continue their training in the following year
• have participated in the current year’s Victoria DanceWorks Festival Performance
• are nominated by their own Dance Studio Owner
• are in need of financial support to cover costs such as: examination fees, summer school tuition fees, master classes, conferences, audition fees, dance supplies, costumes and shoes, additional classes or choreography.