THE WASHINGTON BALLET
SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE TWB’s investment in the future of our art form and our communities
T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T S C H O L A R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E
THE WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF BALLET WHAT WE DO The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) is a cornerstone of The Washington Ballet’s mission. TWSB develops dance talent through a rigorous, best-in-class dance curriculum, a nurturing, whole-student approach and intentional cultivation of community.
Recognized as a civic asset with deep roots throughout Washington, DC, TWSB strengthens communities through dance and dance training. TWB is the only ballet company in the nation with a campus dedicated to addressing the needs of an under-served community. TWSB has had a continuous, sustained presence in Southeast Washington as a founding partner at THEARC.
On a national level, TWSB is sought-after and respected as a training ground for the next generation of dancers.
ONE SCHOOL, THREE CAMPUSES, ENDLESS POTENTIAL
TWSB trains nearly 2,000 students, at all levels, every year
Three campuses
World-class faculty
Students go on to dance for major companies as well as become pillars of the community.
THE WASHINGTON BALLET SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is part of The Washington Ballet’s commitment to creating pipelines and pathways for young people of all backgrounds to succeed in school, in dance, and in life. Through bold, innovative, and inclusive programs, TWSB is a national model for equity in ballet training. Our newly enhanced scholarship program awards more than $300,000 each year, thoughtfully and strategically investing in students and families to maximize artistic and social impact. Scholarships are awarded in three areas, no prior experience necessary, at all levels of study for: 1.
Students with demonstrated financial need.
2. Students who show exceptional promise, with priority given to individuals from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in dance. 3.
Boys and young men.
Sometimes the combinations in our studio classes can be really hard but it’s worth it. That helps me with my schoolwork sometimes, because when I have a problem and it’s really hard, sometimes you just have to keep going. I feel like, because of ballet, I can do that. - ANTHONY, LEVEL 4
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is made possible through the generosity of: The Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Sykes Scholarship Fund, The Berherend / Goldstein Fund, Mary Day Scholarship Fund, Lynn Cote Fund, Rory Schwartz Fund, Fay Katz Ratner Fund, The England Endowment, The GOH Fund, and The TWB Scholarships Fund.
T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T S C H O L A R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E
BALLET—AN INVESTMENT IN THE NEXT GENERATION WHY BALLET? The benefits of dance study are well documented and overwhelmingly positive. In particular, ballet study: •
Teaches critical life skills, such as discipline, perseverance, responsibility, increased esteem, and confidence;
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Enhances physical aspects—strength, flexibility, agility, and athleticism;
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Improves memory, sequencing, and spatial relations skills;
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Provides a sense of teamwork and belonging;
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Correlates to better performance on standardized tests.*
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For many families, the investment in dance education is an investment in their child’s well-rounded education and in their well being, now and well into the future. But teacher salaries, equipment, practice space, technology...the costs of ballet training add up. Depending on level and intensity of training, costs range from $40 to $500 a month, putting ballet study out of reach for some families.
*”Evidence: A Report on the Impact of Dance in the K–12 setting,” publication from The National Dance Education Organization
REMOVING FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE ACCESS Every child deserves access to an excellent dance education. That’s why TWSB is committed to providing need-based scholarships to students and families who otherwise would not be able to afford to study at TWSB.
I’ve learned how to communicate with new people, discipline, and I’ve learned how to act in a serious situation. If someone’s talking to me, I know to look them in the face and stand up straight …it’s about more than good posture.
By removing cost barriers, TWSB opens pathways into dance study.
I have heard people say ‘Humble people don’t point out their humility’, but from the sincerest depths of my soul, I am humbled by YOUR graciousness, your commitment, and your sincerity as you make this world a better place for the children of this city, including mine. Without the scholarships and assistance, we would not be here. I just wanted to say, today, that I am thankful for you. - TWSB PARENT
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is made possible through the generosity of: The Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Sykes Scholarship Fund, The Berherend / Goldstein Fund, Mary Day Scholarship Fund, Lynn Cote Fund, Rory Schwartz Fund, Fay Katz Ratner Fund, The England Endowment, The GOH Fund, and The TWB Scholarships Fund.
- AMY, LEVEL 4
T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T S C H O L A R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BALLET When the curtain rises and dancers step onto the stage, audiences witness seemingly effortless power and grace. But in reality, audiences are witnessing the culmination of hundreds of years of classes and tens of thousands of training hours, not to mention the financial investment.** A career in dance requires dedication, sacrifice, talent, and an exquisite level of training. It also represents continuity of tradition and, at TWB, an openness to evolving the art form for modern times. That’s why students of all levels seek out TWSB for the highest caliber of training. Students come from all over the city, the country, and the world, to study at TWSB. As important, TWSB leaders are seeking out exceptionally promising young people.
In the few years that I’ve spent at TWSB, I’ve been shaped and guided by the most wonderful faculty into becoming a better dancer and a better human. I’ve found that the love of dancing my teachers hold shapes the way I view life outside of dance. For all the knowledge and wisdom that has been so openly passed down to my generation, I can only say that I am immensely thankful for the time I’ve spent with TWSB and will be forever grateful. - MISHA GLOUCHKOVA, 18, CURRENT PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISION STUDENT
**“Raising a Ballerina Will Cost You $100,000,” FiveThirtyEight.com
THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW IN DANCE AND LIFE TWSB is committed to identifying and cultivating the next generation of dancers and dance leaders. As a part of this commitment and as stewards of the art form, TWSB seeks out and cultivates those with exceptional potential. Potential can take many forms—for a professional career, for leadership, and to influence others. Merit-based scholarships are available to all. Priority is given to students from backgrounds not traditionally represented in ballet, including BIPOCs and differently abled students.
Growing up at TWSB I learned that discipline is a lesson that follows you past the mirrored walls of a ballet studio. As I was taught discipline in the forms of mental stamina, focus, and grit, I was also pushed to explore my individuality as an aspiring dancer and young woman. These lessons led me to find my voice in dance, and continue to push me to grow as an artist and as a human. - MAYA HARR, CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DANCER AT ALONZO KING LINES BALLET
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is made possible through the generosity of: The Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Sykes Scholarship Fund, The Berherend / Goldstein Fund, Mary Day Scholarship Fund, Lynn Cote Fund, Rory Schwartz Fund, Fay Katz Ratner Fund, The England Endowment, The GOH Fund, and The TWB Scholarships Fund.
T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T S C H O L A R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E
THE BENEFITS OF BALLET FOR BOYS
Ballet training offers boys and young men a unique opportunity to build athleticism, strength, flexibility, balance, discipline, and teamwork in a rigorous yet supportive environment. TWSB offers a track for boys that caters to the unique challenges that face young men. Students will not only grow into confident young artists inside the studio, but also strong men of character outside the studio as they learn respect, self-expression, and team-building skills. TWSB’s dance teachers are role models, who encourage their students to do their best in both dance and life.
Our 15-year-old son has trained at TWSB since age nine. For the whole family, the performance opportunities have been a highlight. But I think it is the combination of physical challenge and mental focus that have driven his commitment and offered the greatest benefit. I have been impressed by the staff and faculty’s attention to technique and to the whole student, and I credit TWSB with helping sustain my son’s physical and mental health throughout the pandemic. He returned to the studio more excited and inspired than ever.
- SARAH GORDON, PARENT OF GABE GORDON, CURRENT STUDENT
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative specifically seeks to encourage participation from those who are underrepresented in ballet, including boys and young men. Scholarships are awarded at all levels of study, and no prior experience is necessary.
TWSB helped me to be the dancer I am today. I was trained with dedication and professionalism, and this helped me understand how to adapt the technique to my body and work with detail and quality. Being a student, and now a studio company member, has enabled me to find a new passion: teaching. - RAFAEL BEJARANO, CURRENT STUDIO COMPANY MEMBER AT TWB
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is made possible through the generosity of: The Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Sykes Scholarship Fund, The Berherend / Goldstein Fund, Mary Day Scholarship Fund, Lynn Cote Fund, Rory Schwartz Fund, Fay Katz Ratner Fund, The England Endowment, The GOH Fund, and The TWB Scholarships Fund.
T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T S C H O L A R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E
TWSB AT THEARC
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH DANCE TWB’s Community Engagement mission is to serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs, meeting children and adults where they are: schools, libraries, community centers, hospitals, and more.
A founding member of THEARC, TWB established two full time studios and administrative offices within the building. The Southeast Campus also serves as the headquarters for the Community Engagement program. Over the course of this 17-year partnership, TWB’s programs have awarded scholarships providing free and affordable access to first-class dance training for tens of thousands of under-served residents of DC’s Wards 7 and 8. TWB’s thriving campus serves as a “home base” for students and their families, giving them a sense of belonging, community, and identity. Southeast campus alumni have gone on to become dancers with professional companies across the country.
DANCE DC Dance DC is The Washington Ballet’s longest-running community engagement program. Each year, for more than 20 years, students in Pre-K – 12th Grade from DC Public Schools—including nearly 1,000 DCPS students from typically underrepresented communities—receive a seven-week, in-school dance instruction residency complemented with performance opportunities. Guided by the National Core Arts Standards for Dance and serving as a complement to school curriculum needs, the program integrates dance into core subject classes including reading, math, and science.
PIPELINES AND PATHWAYS TO TWSB Direct through families, word-of-mouth or recommendation from a teacher at another dance school
TWB Community Engagement Programs
TWB’s DanceDC in DC Public Schools
The Washington Ballet aspires to make dance education accessible to all. As we engage more youth through our community engagement initiatives, reliable funding is vital to its success. We thank the following donors that support The Washington Ballet, The Washington School of Ballet, and The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative.
PARTNERS
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation
The Sykes Scholarship Fund
Fight For Children
Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joseph E. Robert, Jr Charitable Trust
The Berherend / Goldstein Fund
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation The Lois and Richard England Family Foundation
Mary Day Scholarship Fund Lynn Cote Fund Rory Schwartz Fund Fay Katz Ratner Fund The England Endowment
Share Fund The GOH Fund DeLaski Family Foundation The TWB Scholarships Fund Harman Family Foundation DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
The Washington Ballet Scholarship Initiative is made possible through the generosity of: The Samuel Waters McMahon Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Sykes Scholarship Fund, The Berherend / Goldstein Fund, Mary Day Scholarship Fund, Lynn Cote Fund, Rory Schwartz Fund, Fay Katz Ratner Fund, The England Endowment, The GOH Fund, and The TWB Scholarships Fund.
3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 washingtonballet.org 202-274-4535 xmb Photography, media4artists and Nosrat Tarighi.