Dance scholarship in UK on offer

The Dance Workshop has introduced an international scholarship for one academic year open to all Cecchetti students studying at advanced one level or above.

This Kate Simmons Dance Award, a first for Malta, was secured following an agreement between The Dance Workshop principal Theresa Lungaro-Mifsud and Ms Simmons last month.

The award is in memory of "extraordinary" dance teacher Eileen Langman, who Ms Lungaro-Mifsud had met in 1987 when she underwent her intensive summer course. She had also met Ms Simmons at this same course, where they were both working towards the higher professional examinations in Cecchetti Ballet.

Ms Simmons had just retired from her professional performing career with London Festival (now English National Ballet) and the two struck a friendship.

The award will cover one year's tuition fees at The Kate Simmons Dance College, in Cheshire UK. It will be offered annually to students who have completed their ordinary level academic studies and hold an Intermediate Cecchetti Certificate.

The scholarship also provides students with the opportunity to continue their vocational dance examinations, to perform and tour with Allegro Dance Co. and to take up the professional teaching examinations at FDI/CDE level and cover the first year National Diploma in Professional Dance (Trinity College).

An audition for the successful candidate will be held at The Dance Workshop later this month and in June. Dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

Interested candidates should contact Ms Lungaro-Mifsud on 2124 2465, 9942 9233 or send an e-mail at dance@di-ve.com. Application forms can be collected from The Dance Workshop in Gzira. Closing date for applications is May 12.