One part of MBT’s mission of providing accessible and affordable ballet is to bring the excellence, dedication and joy that comes from ballet to all students regardless of financial barriers. By doing so we help make ballet more inclusive, accessible and equitable. We want under-served students to have the opportunity to cultivate creativity, collaboration, confidence, and higher academic achievement through ballet with our new scholarship program. We believe that dancing is for everyone.
Scholarship Program:
The MBT Scholarship Program is designed to assist talented and deserving students who face financial hardships. Our Artistic Director has long championed the belief that no child should be denied the opportunity to dance due to financial constraints. With the establishment of a formal Scholarship Fund, we aim to expand our reach and provide more students with the chance to pursue their passion for dance by offering scholarships to a greater number of students in the future.
Scholarship Tiers:
Our scholarship program consists of three tiers, each providing the opportunity to receive a scholarship ranging from 50% to full coverage:
1. Tier 1: Emerging Talent Scholarship
– Eligibility: Open to students aged 5-12 who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to ballet.
– Benefits: Up to full tuition coverage for one academic year at MBT Academy, including all classes, workshops, and performance opportunities.
– Selection Criteria: Based on talent, dedication, and financial need. Applicants must audition, submit a personal statement and a prior year tax return.
2. Tier 2: Junior Excellence Scholarship
– Eligibility: Open to students aged 13-17 who have shown significant progress and dedication in their ballet training.
– Benefits: Up to full tuition coverage for one academic year at MBT Academy, including all classes, workshops, performance opportunities, and mentoring sessions with MBT company dancers.
– Selection Criteria: Based on technical skill, artistic expression, and financial need. Applicants must audition, submit a personal statement, a prior year tax return and a recommendation letter from a dance instructor.
3. Tier 3: Pre-Professional Scholarship
– Eligibility: Open to students aged 18 and older who are pursuing a career in ballet and have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication.
– Benefits: Up to full tuition coverage for one academic year at MBT Academy, including all advanced classes, workshops, performance opportunities, and personalized career guidance from MBT faculty.
– Selection Criteria: Based on technical proficiency, artistry, career aspirations and financial need. Applicants must audition, submit a personal statement, a resume, a prior year tax return and two recommendation letters from dance professionals.
Supporting Aspiring Dancers:
At MBT, we believe in nurturing the dreams of aspiring dancers from all backgrounds. Many of our dancers knew they wanted to dance from a young age, and we are committed to making those dreams a reality. Through our educational outreach and our scholarship program, we identify and support talented individuals from local schools and beyond, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their passion for dance.
How to Apply:
– Application Process: Interested students should complete the online application form on the MBT website, provide the required documentation and audition process by the specified deadline.
– Selection Process: A panel consisting of the Artistic Director, MBT faculty and staff will review all applications and select recipients based on the established criteria at their discretion.
– Notification: Scholarship recipients will be notified by email and will be announced on the MBT website and social media.
Impact of Your Donation:
Your generous donation to the Scholarship Fund, will directly supporting the education and
development of deserving students. By contributing to the MBT Scholarship Program, you help us
extend our outreach and bring the art of ballet to underserved parts of our community. Together,
we can build awareness, foster talent, and create a brighter future for our community, its children
and Manassas Ballet Theatre.
Join Us:
We invite you to be a part of our mission to make ballet inclusive, accessible, and equitable. Your
support can make a profound difference in the lives of young dancers and the cultural landscape
of Northern Virginia.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website or contact MBT at info@manassasballet.org. Scholarships are given at the discretion of Manassas Ballet Academy and are based on need. Anyone interested should contact the Executive Director at mark@manassasballet.org. Please be prepared to submit a copy of your last year’s tax return as substantiation of need.
