Scholarships and Awards

Undergraduate dance majors and certificate students enrolled in Dance Department classes with demonstrated evidence of emerging professionalism in the field are eligible to apply for scholarships and awards through the department. Academic standing (GPA) and contributing membership in the Dance Department community are considered in the decision to award funding. In some cases, financial need is also a criteria that is considered in the decision process.

Academic Year Scholarships and Awards

Eligible students must apply for academic year scholarships through Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) using their UW Netid and password. Students will be notified early in the spring semester when applications for academic year scholarships are live on the system.

The following are scholarships for students who engage in historical, theoretical, and/or philosophical investigations in dance studies; strong academic standing in and demonstrated contributions to the department are considered.

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Buff Brennan Scholarship

One scholarship is given annually to an undergraduate dance major. Applicants should demonstrate high scholarship or potential for high scholarship as well as financial need.

Helen Pfuderer Smith Scholarship

One to two scholarships are given to undergraduates in dance. Applicants should demonstrate potential for high scholarship as well as financial need.

Martha Peterson Research Fund

One award is given to graduate or undergraduate students to help defray research expenses.

Moby Sloan Scholarship

One scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate dance major. Applicants should demonstrate high scholarship or potential for high scholarship as well as financial need.

The following scholarships are for students who show promise and/or demonstrated accomplishment in the areas of performance and/or choreography; strong academic standing and demonstrated contributions to the department are considered.

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Carns, Cronin, Glassow Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to one graduate or undergraduate in the dance department who has demonstrated evidence of professional promise.

Helen Pfuderer Smith Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to one to two undergraduates in dance each year. Applicants should demonstrate high artistic investigations/accomplishment as well as financial need.

Noel Hefty Scholarship

Two to five undergraduate students in the Dance Department are annually awarded this scholarship. 

Palmer–Tarbell Scholarship

One undergraduate in physical education and/or dance is awarded this scholarship annually. It is available in alternate years for Dance: 2020-21, 2022-24, etc.

The following scholarships are for students with documented need for financial support; strong academic standing in and demonstrated contributions to the department are considered.

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Helen Pfuderer Smith Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to one to five undergraduates in dance each year. Applicants should demonstrate high artistic investigations/accomplishment as well as financial need.

Louise O. Kloepper Scholarship

Two to three students in the Dance Department are given this award based on need as well as academic achievement. It is open to graduate or undergraduate students. Scholarships cannot be larger than 33 percent of non-resident tuition. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Lydia Z. Shafer Scholarship

Two undergraduates in dance are awarded this scholarship each year.

Mary Nelson Scholarship

One scholarship for an undergraduate or graduate student in dance from the state of California, South Dakota, or Washington (to be determined if given annually).

These awards are for summer or honors study and recognition of accomplishment in the dance major.

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Anna Nassif Award

One award is given annually to a senior student in dance to recognize their body of choreographic work.

Barbara Glasgall Berkley Dance Fund

One to two students are given funds for summer study under this award.

Buff Brennan Senior Honors Award

Two senior students in dance are given this award annually. Students must be engaged in an honors project.

Barbara Walz Award

Three awards are given to dance majors interested in teaching toward Dance Department-approved summer study in dance.

Jin-Wen Yu Award

One award is given to a graduating student in dance with summer professional plans for choreography and performance.

Jody and John Arnhold Scholarship

Full-tuition scholarships are given to dance majors to study in the summer study program at the Dance Education Lab in New York. This award is to be determined on an annual basis.

Li Chiao-Ping Award

One award is given to a junior student in dance for choreography and performance.

Martha Peterson Research Fund

One award is given to graduate or undergraduate students to help defray research expenses.

Perry Mansfield

One award of full tuition and accommodation is given to a freshman dance major to study at the six-week Perry Mansfield pre-professional summer study program.

Summer Award Funding

We encourage summer study and offer financial support toward our students’ continued study and enrichment, to make professional connections in the field and in the global dance community. Students have been provided financial awards to support  their studies abroad, both nationally and internationally over the summer. Applications for summer support are held annually. Dance degree and certificate students are notified by the department when the application process is open and are sent instructions on how and when to apply.