2023/24 Application Guidelines
Chrystal Dance Prize – Training
The Chrystal Dance Prize – Training is a merit-based scholarship program for dancers/dance artists in all disciplines wanting to continue or complete their training and/or studies at a recognized institution outside Canada. Applicants must be residents of Western Canada and this prize only supports full-time studies. Intensives and summer programs are not eligible for support from the Chrystal Dance Prize – Training program. Preference will be given to Victoria residents; however, it’s worth noting there are years when no Victoria students apply, making it an open field. If you are entering a second or third year of study, and are living in a foreign country, your permanent address or place of origin must be in Western Canada (Manitoba and west) or any territory.
In 2024, Dance Victoria will have $6,000 to award.
Arabella and Robert Award for Dance (ARAD)
For the third year, Dance Victoria will also award a scholarship called the Arabella and Robert Award for Dance (ARAD). The guidelines for this award are as stated above with the exception that applicants from across Canada are eligible to apply. The ARAD scholarship, with a value of $2,535, may be awarded as a supplement to a successful Chrystal Dance Prize proponent or can be awarded separately.
Applications will open on Friday, March 15, 2024, and close on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Only online applications are accepted. Please note: Two signed letters of recommendation in PDF format must be submitted with the application. Applications that are submitted without letters of recommendation by the deadline will be considered incomplete and ineligible for consideration.
Process
Applications will be considered by a panel of not less than three dance professionals. Equal value will be given to the applicant’s written material, reference letters and video. An applicant may be contacted during the process for more information or clarification.
Dance Victoria encourages artists from diverse communities to apply for the Chrystal Dance Prize. We welcome applications from persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification and advancement of dance in our community.
If the applicant’s course of study changes after the deadline, or the applicant elects to attend a different institution, it is the applicant’s responsibility to notify Dance Victoria of the change.
All applicants will be contacted prior to a public announcement of the award in May 2024.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The quality of the application will be considered in the adjudication process. It is the opinion of the committee that the completed application reflects the applicant’s commitment to their training and eventual career. In past competitions, Dance Victoria has received applications that have clearly been completed by a parent. It is essential that the applicant/proponent complete the statements in the application that are related to the Summary of Goals and Challenges so that the adjudicators can accurately assess the individual’s self-awareness and commitment.
- Students who are pursuing further training in their chosen style should submit at least one video to demonstrate their proficiency in that style of dance. For example, Bharatanatyam, contemporary, ballet, etc.
- It is recommended that the two video samples contrast each other, demonstrating the applicant’s breadth and depth of proficiency.
- If submitting a video that shows the applicant performing in a group piece, please include notes that identify the applicant’s position in the group.
- Successful applicants will be required to provide their SIN for tax record preparations.
Notification of results: All applicants will be contacted by May 31, 2024.
If you have difficulty completing the online applications, or need accessibility accommodations, please contact [email protected]. Only online applications will be accepted.
The Chrystal Dance Prize is funded through an annual disbursement from the Chrystal Dance Fund held at the Victoria Foundation. Learn more about Dr. Betty “Chrystal” Kleiman.