For DonorsFor Applicants

Gayle McKinney-Griffith Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 30, 2024
Winners Announced
May 31, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Field of Interest:
Dance
Education Leve:
High school or Undergraduate
Identity:
Person of color

Gayle McKinney-Griffith was a life long dancer, and on the leading edge of integrating the arts. During her incredible career as a pioneering Black Ballerina she overcame many obstacles, and forged a tremendous path forward for herself and others. 

The Gayle McKinney-Griffith Memorial Scholarship recognizes the importance of diverse voices in the field of dance, specifically supporting students of color. By providing financial assistance and guidance, this scholarship aims to empower these individuals to excel in their dance studies, fostering inclusivity and cultural enrichment within the performing arts. This initiative seeks to promote diversity and representation, nurturing a vibrant and equitable dance community.

Any high school or undergraduate student who is a person of color and pursuing a degree in dance may apply.

To apply, share what dance means to you and what struggles you have had to overcome as an underrepresented dancer.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Creativity, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published January 8, 2024
Essay Topic

What does dance mean to you? What struggles have you overcome to pursue dance as a person of color?


400–600 words

Winning Application

Kyara Scott
Achievement First Univ Prep HsBROOKLYN, NY
With each note from the trumpet, my body effortlessly followed suit, gracefully stepping stage right and executing multiple turns. As I perfected my pointed feet, I stood still under the hot lights, feeling the warmth as my arms and head reached toward the sky. Thoughts of the lyrics to “Home” were drowned out by the cheers of the audience. I had choreographed my movements to the likes of Diana Ross, as I thought about my own Blackness. I thought about what it meant for me to be Black in the United States and my desire to find a haven from police brutality. With each emphasized expansion and contraction of my body, I found myself responding to my pain of Breonna Taylor’s or George Floyd’s deaths. It was hard to rid myself of the feelings that I might be next. With the movements to “say her name”, the mental exhaustion was too much to bear. Turning my concerns and worries into dance movements, I created choreography that expressed my pain and frustration. With each step, I felt the sting in my heart as I watched my community endure violence at the hands of authorities. As a Black artist, I aspire to use my artistry to advocate for Black communities. Joining a collegiate Dance program or future dance companies, I hope to further my art of advocacy. While facing challenges such as how to best convey my message and which issues to address, the process of brainstorming content helps me find solutions. For a Black artist like myself, dance offers the opportunity to explore versatile Black thematic dances, unity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of Black cultural and tribal dances. Enrolling in a dance program like Howard’s would not only support my artistic growth but also deepen my appreciation for choreography. Cheogrsohy created in my “African Dance l-lll” and “African and Seminar” classes that develop my West African and Afro-Caribbean training with access to professors such as Ofosuwa Abiola and Royce Zackery. Overall, my aspirations to join classical or commercial-based dance companies, Howard’s dance program is essential for my development and preparation. The Gayle scholarship brings me closer to achieving my goal of joining Howard’s dance program and becoming a professional dancer. I believe that Howard’s faculty can help me unlock my full potential and prepare me for success in future dance companies. As a Black woman, it is important for me to be affirmed in a space that fosters both my creativity and my passion for advocacy.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 31, 2024.