New Zealand’s finest young Ballet Talent on show at 14+ Dance Scholarship

The 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation, held at the Te Whaea Theatre in Wellington on 7 September presented three ballet scholarships valued at a total of over $10,000 to assist New Zealand’s most promising ballet dancers realise their dreams.

The twenty ballet dancers who competed this year all gained distinction for their Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 1 exam.  Performing on stage at Te Whaea, with live piano accompaniment, each competitor demonstrated his or her virtuosity individually.  It was a fantastic opportunity for talented young dancers from all over New Zealand to come together to dance.

Chair of the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation, Deirdre Tarrant,  says: “The biennial 14+ Dance Scholarship has been the catalyst for many New Zealand dancers embarking on their professional dance careers.”  The Foundation is supported by many ballet followers and is privately funded by dance enthusiasts with a passion to help young talent.

Three young ballet dancers were awarded scholaships towards their future dance training to the value of $13,000 as follows:

Libby-Rose Niederer (Cameron Ballet Academy) - 14+ Dance Scholarship valued at $7,000

Katherine Sonnekus (Mount Eden Ballet Academy) - the inaugural Elvira Macrae Award valued at $4,000

Laura Crawford (Cameron Ballet Academy) - Alexander Grant Training Award valued at $2,000

“The really exciting news apart from the winners on Sunday of course is that we have got the funding secure for the next 10 years for these scholarships and in this climate that is a biggie so I am thrilled. We needed 14 to make it happen and 22 wonderful dance lovers from all over the country have come in for the next ten years so we are in good heart to jete on! A new scholarship - Elvira Macrae Award was announced and so the ongoing support for talented and young Kiwis carries on!" said Deirdre.