( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Career Transition for Dancers Awards Five Outstanding Individuals $10,000 Each to Propel Their Educational Journeys
In a heartening announcement, The Entertainment Community Fund revealed the recipients of the 2023 Alex Dubé Scholarship Program, a pivotal initiative supporting the education and career progression of dancers. Awarding a substantial $10,000 scholarship to each of the five recipients, the program stands as a beacon for those navigating the transition from a dance career to pursuing higher education.
Rochelle Chang, Talya Epstein, Lisa Jantze, Edgar Page, and Hollie Wright are the deserving awardees, chosen for their exceptional dedication to both dance and their chosen fields of study. Through the Alex Dubé Scholarship Program, Career Transition for Dancers aims to provide a springboard for these individuals, allowing them to build a solid foundation for their future professional endeavors.
Bebe Neuwirth, founder of The Dancers’ Resource, expressed her pride in leading the Alex Dubé Scholarship Committee, highlighting the remarkable achievements of this year’s recipients. The scholarship, named in honor of former dancer and advocate Alex J. Dubé, serves as a testament to Dubé’s commitment to the well-being of dancers, a legacy continued by the Entertainment Community Fund.
Each recipient brings a unique story and vision for their future. Rochelle Chang, a former ballet dancer turned elementary school teacher, is pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum Studies at the University of Hawai’i, College of Education. Talya Epstein, a dance artist turned somatic healing practitioner, is working towards a Master of Social Work at Smith College School of Social Work.
Lisa Jantze, with a 20-year career spanning ballet, precision dance, musical theater, and film, is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at the Columbia School of Nursing. Edgar Page, a Detroit native and principal dancer turned movement arts initiative founder, is completing his Dance MFA at Hollins University. Hollie Wright, a seasoned dancer with Broadway credits, is pursuing an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts with a Performance Creation Concentration at Goddard College.
These stories exemplify the diverse paths dancers embark upon, showcasing their resilience and determination. The Entertainment Community Fund, formerly known as The Actors Fund, remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the unique needs of those working in the performing arts and entertainment. Through the Alex Dubé Scholarship Program, they continue to provide invaluable support, fostering dreams and shaping the futures of passionate and talented individuals in the entertainment community.
Related Articles: Salah Bachir is a Publishing and Entertainment Trailblazer, “The Dream Continues…” Yesterday’s Tomorrow Packs Powerful Message
