14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation
The 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation was incorporated in 2004 to establish, fund and maintain scholarship programmes to promote the practice and understanding of dance throughout New Zealand. Scholarships are awarded annually to teachers for further training, and at a biennial event to talented RAD dancers showing outstanding ability and potential.
In 2004, 14 was the minimum number of Founder members required to ensure funding for the first 10 years of the RAD Scholarship Programme. 26 pledged to the vision which was a ‘plus’, hence the name 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation. To fund the biennial event whilst ensuring the longevity of this programme, the generous support of donors is essential.
Scholarships and Awards
The INSPIRE Award
This award of $8,000 was established in 2004 to recognise the most outstanding dancer at the biennial event. Originally called the 14+ Dance Scholarship Award it was renamed the INSPIRE Award in 2024.
Elvira Macrae Award
In 2013 Elvira Macrae, a former very successful RAD teacher in Tauranga, made a generous donation to provide a further award of $6,000. A second substantial donation in 2020 led to the creation of the Gloria Macrae Finalists’ Awards, which are presented to the finalists of the 14+ event
Sir Jon Trimmer Award
This award of $4,000 was established in 2024 to acknowledge and celebrate the enormous contribution of Sir Jon Trimmer to ballet in NZ. Trained in the RAD syllabi, excelling in the prestigious Solo Seal in 1953. Sir Jon has been an inspiration, teacher and mentor to generations of NZ dancers and dance enthusiasts.
Creina Gee Memorial Award
In 2006 the family of Creina Gee, former NZ RAD dance teacher and examiner, established the Creina Gee Memorial Award to provide financial assistance for dance teachers or trainee dance teachers to undertake courses of study.
Since 2004, The Foundation has awarded over $188,000 to students and teachers.
From the alumni of the three major awards, seven are currently dancing with a professional company and six have danced professionally and are now retired from performing; eight awards were used to fund studies in Australia and eight at the NZ School of Dance.
Become a donor
In order to ensure the continuation and strengthening of the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation into the future, we need donors. Support the dance community and fledging dance talent in NZ by committing to be part of our donation programme.
How to Support
Ways you can help the Foundation support the dance community are by:
Sponsorship
Come on board as an official sponsor. We have several packages available please contact the trustees info@rad.org.nz for more information.
Making a donation
Every contribution, big or small, helps us provide quality dance education and training. Click on the link below to make a donation.
Leaving a gift in your will
By including a gift to the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation in your plans, you will support our charitable trust to conitnue to support, future dancers with their training.
Establishing an Award or Scholarship
Help us recognize and support talented dancers by establishing an award or scholarship in your name or in honor of someone special.