scholarships

about our scholarships

We believe everyone deserves a safe space to dance, explore, express and connect with others. However, we recognize that dance class is a privilege that is not often attainable for everyone. We also acknowledge that oppressive societal structures put certain folks at a disadvantage that may rob them of opportunities.

These scholarships are one of several ways we work to provide more affordable and accessible opportunities to dance with us. Applications are easy to complete and do not require proof or declaration of need or status.

currently available

bursary for indigenous folks by
our founders + the lumifamily fund

We believe everyone deserves a safer space to dance, explore, express and connect with others. We also acknowledge that oppressive societal structures put Indigenous folks at a disadvantage that may rob them of this and other opportunities. We also recognize that Indigenous dancers unfortunately receive additional layers of discrimination when they express their sexuality, and so want to eliminate as many barriers as possible to being celebrated. This scholarship, started by our founders, is one of several ways we’re working to provide more accessible opportunities for Indigenous folks to dance with us. Applications do not require proof or declaration of status and operate on an honour system.

bursary for BIPOC dancers by
our founders + the scholarship fund

We believe everyone deserves a safer space to dance, explore, express and connect with others. We also acknowledge that oppressive societal structures may put some BIPOC at a disadvantage that may rob them of this and other opportunities. We also recognize that BIPOC unfortunately receive additional layers of discrimination when they express their sexuality, and so want to eliminate as many barriers as possible to being celebrated on stage. This scholarship, started by our founders, is one of several ways we’re working to provide more opportunities for BIPOC to dance with us. Applications do not require proof of heritage, and operate on an honour system.

bursary for LGBTQIA+ dancers by
our founders + the scholarship fund

We believe everyone deserves a safer space to dance, explore, express and connect with others. We also acknowledge that oppressive societal structures may put some LGBTQIA+ dancers at a disadvantage that may rob them of this and other opportunities. We also recognize that LGBTQIA+ dancers unfortunately receive additional layers of discrimination when they express their sexuality, and so want to eliminate as many barriers as possible to being celebrated on stage. This scholarship, started by our founders, is one of several ways we’re working to provide more opportunities for LGBTQIA+ folx to dance with us. Applications do not require disclosure of sexual orientation or gender identity, and operate on an honour system.

catherine the great award by
our founders + the scholarship fund

Catherine the Great was a pillar of our community, and this award honours and continues one’s legacy at Luminesque. Catherine was someone who was passionate about dismantling our (ableist, ageist, sexist, SWERF) society’s ideas of who is a “dancer” and who deserves to be seen and celebrated on stage. As a 52 year old, chronically ill, non-binary dancer who rocked a rhinestoned cane in studio and on stage - Catherine was the embodiment of “see it to be it”. This award serves as a dedication to carrying on our shared mission of promoting diverse, intersectional representation on stage. If you feel at all limited by your body, please apply to the Catherine the Great award - so we can break down barriers and celebrate you claiming your rightful place in the spotlight. This scholarship is funded by the Luminesque co-owners, and private donations received through fundraising events.

“dance anyways” scholarship
in honour of Catherine the Great
by Sarah-Kate Salmon (house of common heARTS)

ABOUT THE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP, FROM SARAH-KATE:

“Catherine the Really Really Great” was one of a kind. Catherine danced with a pretty significant hip disability and danced with a cane. She always shared that the cane said she couldn't, and the mirror said she shouldn't, but she danced anyway. That has always stuck with me and I think most of us.

As many of you know, I am also a disabled dancer, and this is something that feels incredibly close to my heart. Catherine and I were really close. We called each other dance sisters because she very clearly did not want to be my dance mom. We understood each other in a way that was really special. We both knew what it felt like to have a body that made things harder sometimes, but also knew how powerful it was to get grimy and thrash anyways!

Catherine wasn't amazing because she was the strongest dancer in the room. She was amazing because she showed up. She brought joy, humour, courage, and so much heart. She reminded people that dance is not only for certain bodies, certain ages, or certain abilities. Dance belongs to everyone.

I’ve created the "dance anyways" scholarship in Catherine's memory, which provides one dancer each year with a fully funded LumiLifer membership (dancing in two terms/shows) and/or a term of Online to Onstage. This would not be a scholarship for the "best" dancer or the most technically advanced dancer. It would be for someone who embodies Catherine's spirit. Someone who keeps choosing dance even when life makes it difficult. Some examples could be someone navigating: disability or chronic illness, mental health challenges, mature dancers. Ultimately, recipients will be selected based on indication of: perseverance and resilience, commitment to growth, community spirit, personal circumstances and barriers, and/or passion for dance.

The recipient would commit to participating fully in the Progress/Performing Term, showing up for themselves and the community, and sharing a short reflection at the end about what the experience meant to them.

Catherine taught me that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up. Show up with the body you have. Show up with the challenges you are carrying. Show up and dance anyway.

bursary for single mothers
by leah taylor

“Life as a single mother can mean that your time, energy, and love are always being given away in service to others. I hope that this bursary means mama can take even just 2 hours per week to give herself some me time, empowering energy, and community love.” This bursary is available for any single mothers (no proof required, based on an honour system).

financial need open bursaries by
our founders + the scholarship fund

We understand that dance class can be an expensive investment in yourself, that many may not be able to afford. This scholarship, funded by our community events and private donors, is one of several ways we work to provide more affordable opportunities for those in financial need to dance with us. Applications do not require proof or declaration of financial need, and operate on an honour system. You may state in your application if you’re seeking a full or partial bursary. Thank you to Kim Sandbeck for sponsoring a student each term, in memory of Warren Sandbeck.