The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda is reminding the dance community that Friday, June 13 is the deadline for submitting applications for awards, scholarships and bursaries. Application forms are available online at www.dancebermuda.org

In addition to what has been offered in previous years, a new Bermuda Ballet Association Commemorative Award – the Georgine Mary Russell Hill Scholarship – is being sponsored by Montpelier Re Foundation, which also sponsors the Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award.

The new scholarship, valued at $7,500, honours Mrs. Georgine Hill, MBE, a lifelong patron of the arts in Bermuda. It has been established to support talented Bermudian dancers studying dance or dance education at accredited institutions overseas, and who demonstrate talent, commitment and the desire to contribute to Bermuda's dance community in the future.

Other awards, scholarships, bursaries on offer are as follows:

Madame Ana Roje Commorative Award: Named after Bermuda Ballet Association co-founder. Value: $7,500. Awarded annually to dancer/teacher demonstrating ballet excellence, and commitment to furthering his/her training in a professional programme overseas. Available to dancers aged 12 to 18, and teachers aged 18 and older.

Patricia Calnan Commemorative Award: Named after former Royal Gazette and Mid-Ocean News journalist, author, and supporter of the arts (pictured). Value: $15,000 for one year of study. For student demonstrating talent, skill and commitment to pursue advanced dance training as a dance major at a recognised university or other professional programme overseas. Available to students aged 18 year and older.

L. John Profit Commemorative Award. Named after Bermuda Ballet Association co-founder. Value: $7,500 for one year of study. Sponsored by BF&M. Awarded to dancer, teacher or choreographer demonstrating talent, skill and commitment to furthering his/her dance training overseas. Recipients should be willing to contribute to Bermuda's dance community upon completion of training and internationally-gained experience. Available to dancers aged 14 years and older; teachers and choreographers aged 18 and older.

Bursaries of up to $750 will also be considered for qualified students.in addition to the above commemorative awards and scholarships.

Finalists will be interviewed by the NDFB Scholarship Committee, and will audition on August 2 before an independent adjudicator.

"In addition to its two major sponsors, Montpelier Re and BF&M, the NDFB acknowledges its contributing sponsors – Bacardi, Axis, Butterfield Bank, and Bermuda Cable & Wireless – and the many individuals, friends and family members who contribute so much of their time and resources to ensuring that Bermuda's dancers get the best support available to be the best that they can be," a spokesperson said.