Scholarships

It is our policy and desire to provide financial assistance for RDC classes to students based upon their financial need and aptitude for dance.

Scholarships are offered with the understanding that student participation in the school (classes and events) will be their first priority.

Scholarship students will be re-evaluated at the end of the first semester to determine their continuing eligibility. Inconsistent attendance or lack of class participation will affect eligibility.

Scholarship students (or their parents) will be required to help with school performances & other school functions.

The following criteria are applied to scholarships offered by Rockford Dance Company:

  1. Scholarships are available for classes at the School of the Rockford Dance Company based upon the availability of funds and in accordance with the determination of the Board of Directors. The School Director will recommend appropriate classes for each scholarship student.

  2. Rockford Dance Company commits a portion of its budget for scholarships. There is a limited amount of scholarship funding and not every scholarship student will receive a full scholarship. Each participant will be required to pay the $40 registration fee prior to the start of class

  3. A scholarship applicant must produce evidence of their family's financial need. This evidence is based upon appropriate documentation. Previous year's Federal Income Tax Return must be submitted with application.

  4. The School Director of the Rockford Dance Company, with the approval of the Executive Director, will award scholarships on a case by case basis.

  5. All students with scholarships must show consistent effort and progress, behave in a disciplined, responsible and proper manner, and act as role models for their fellow classmates at the School and outside of it. Students must attend classes regularly — any absences must be fully and satisfactorily explained.

  6. The granting of the scholarship and name of the scholarship recipient will be kept confidential from other students and the public, except as may be necessary for grant reporting requirements.

  7. Scholarship recipients are NOT permitted to study at any other school, attend auditions, or accept any amateur or professional performing engagement without the official approval of the Director of the School of Rockford Dance Company.

  8. Receiving a scholarship award from Rockford Dance Company is a FULL YEAR commitment. If you do not complete the year you must pay for all classes taken.

 

Joan Stonecipher Scholarship

It is the desire of the Joan Stonecipher Scholarship Board of Trustees to provide financial assistance to individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding aptitude, desire, and dedication to the discipline of dance. To support these goals, the Joan Stonecipher Scholarship award amount is to be applied to tuition at the School of Rockford Dance Company. Two Scholarships are awarded each year. One is awarded to a dancer at the Company level, and the other on the Student level, ages 10 years and up.

  1. Scholarship Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

    • A strong aptitude and motivation for dance. Evaluation of this is determined by the Joan Stonecipher Scholarship Board of Trustees.

    • Evidence of financial need. This evidence may be based upon documentation or by information obtained from third party individuals who know for a certainty the financial ability of the student and the family. All income and expenses of the family and student shall be considered.

    • Family support and participation in the education and teaching of dance.

    • A display of respect for dance, dance instructors, and other students by the person obtaining the scholarship.

  2. Race, religion, national origin, creed or color will not be used or considered as a criterion for the reward of a scholarship.

  3. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Joan Stonecipher Scholarship Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the recommendations of the Artistic and School Directors of Rockford Dance Company.

  4. The Scholarship may be terminated for the following reasons:

    • Failure to attend class.

    • Failure to maintain motivation.

    • A showing of disrespect.

  5. The Recipient of the Joan Stonecipher Scholarship is required to participate in the annual performance of the School of Rockford Dance Company.