Circus Scholarships Fuel Confidence in Auckland Youth
Local Circus School offers 10 Scholarships for Underprivileged Youth
Elodie Boyle, 13
Penrose, AUCKLAND – 20 June 2018 – Auditions for a one-year scholarship of circus training at The Dust Palace will be held on Saturday 14 July, thanks to the local circus school’s annual Scholarship Programme.
The programme targets youth aged 10 -24 from across Auckland who have an aptitude to learn and creative flair, but don’t
have the financial resources otherwise to attend the aerial dance and acrobatics classes. There are 10 scholarships
available which cover one-year worth of twice weekly tuition fees at the studio.
“Circus is an artform that builds trust amongst fellow performers and develops confidence in young people as they learn
to express themselves and master tricky skills,” says Eve Gordon, Director and Choreographer at The Dust Palace.
“A scholarship opens up the opportunity for youth from any background to learn a range of circus skills that are both
physically demanding and creatively engaging. The winners will also develop foundational life skills such as tenacity,
determination and commitment – qualities that mature faster when you’re three meters up in the air!”
Since 2014, The Dust Palace has offered scholarships to underprivileged youth as a part of The Dust Palace Scholarships Programme. The 2017 recipients will perform in the annual Scholarship Showcase on 22 July at The Dust Palace.
“Fostering early talent can lead students through to attending renowned circus schools, finding roles in New Zealand’s
performing arts industry and even pursing international careers, performing in large theatre and circus shows around the
world,” says Eve.
Previous circus or performance experience is not required to audition. All that is required is the desire and enthusiasm
to learn and develop, to meet the age criteria, and to commit to two classes per week for a year.
The Dust Palace Scholarship Programme Auditions
Saturday 14 July
10am and 11.30am
Register to audition at https://www.thedustpalace.co.nz/register
ends