Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Fund

Learn more, and apply for a Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Fund SCHOLARSHIP. This exciting opportunity for you to grow as a dancer or instructor, while contributing
to a more inclusive dance community is unique to Ohio.

We welcome all applicants who will meet the requirements below.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DANCE STUDENTS

Are you an aspiring dancer with a physical disability who dreams of training professionally? This scholarship can help you access equitable, integrated dance training in Ohio through:

• College or university dance programs
• Ohio-based residencies
• Community classes
• Intensive training sessions

Eligible students must:

• Be willing to train in Ohio (students from anywhere are welcome!)
• Have a physical disability
• Commit to rigorous dance training with a qualified instructor

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DANCE INSTRUCTORS

Are you a dance teacher who wants to make your classes more accessible and inclusive? This scholarship offers funding for instructors to gain hands-on experience in physically integrated dance (PID) and bring that knowledge back to their students.

Eligible instructors must:

• Be willing to train in Ohio (open to U.S. and international applicants!)
• Be qualified to teach dance (specific qualifications to be determined)
• Have a strong interest in expanding their teaching to include PID

HOW TO APPLY

EMAIL your application (and questions) to: [email protected],

1. Submit a history or resume of your dance experience
2. Provide an 800-word statement explaining why you need this scholarship and what impact it will have on your dance journey
3. Only individual applications will be accepted.
4. Applications will be reviewed by a team from the Verdi-Fletcher Dance and Disability Fund and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education

At the end of the funding period, recipients will be required to submit a final report on their experience and learning outcomes.

KEY DATES

• Call for applications: February 2, 2026
• Application deadline: April 1, 2026
• Award announcement: May 8, 2026
• Fund distribution, following acceptance of award: June 12, 2026