New Mexico Belly Dance Scholarships

The purpose of New Mexico Belly Dance scholarships is to provide opportunities for dance students to gain experience outside of their regular classes and instruction. As part of our mission, NMBD scholarships serve the belly dance community in New Mexico to expand learning and appreciation of Middle Eastern, North African and Central Asian (MENACA) cultural forms of dance.

Persian Dance Workshop with Natalie Nayun

Nov. 5 | 6:30-8:30 | Santa Fe, NM

  • Explore the vibrant world of Persian dance, emphasizing classical and lyrical styles. This class covers essential techniques like hand and body positions, basic spins, and traveling steps, blending traditional Persian dance with modern elements.

    Warm-ups, floor work, and combinations are included in a fun and supportive environment for dancers of all levels to express themselves. Everyone is welcome!

    Workshop is located at EmiArte Dance Studio, 3022 Cielo Ct., Santa Fe, NM 87507

  • New Mexico Belly Dance is offering a scholarship for both NMBD members and non-members.

    Additional expenses, including travel, food, or accommodations, are NOT included in the scholarship. The recipient will accept responsibility for all other expenses associated with the event.

    There is no financial compensation or cash value for the scholarship if the recipient cannot, for whatever reason, attend the workshops.

  • Applicants must submit a complete application by Friday, Nov. 1.

  • Upon notification, applicants must confirm acceptance of the scholarship, or NMBD will move on to the next awardee.

Luna of Cairo Workshops Scholarship

Nov. 9-10

  • Luna of Cairo is coming to New Mexico! Hosted by Sirena Studio, this workshop weekend will include workshops on Egyptian Technique and Combinations, Baladi Progression, Shaabi, and Tarab.

  • New Mexico Belly Dance will offer one full weekend package for Luna of Cairo. You do NOT need to be a member of NMBD to apply. The scholarship will also include two tickets to the evening Raqs Alba show!

    Additional expenses, including travel, food, or accommodations, are NOT included in the scholarship. The recipient will accept responsibility for all other expenses associated with the event.

    There is no financial compensation or cash value for the scholarship if the recipient cannot, for whatever reason, attend the workshops.

  • Applicants must submit a complete application. You do not have to be a member of New Mexico Belly Dance to apply. Deadline for application is Monday, Sept. 23. Scholarship will be awarded Friday, Sept. 27.

  • Upon notification, applicants must confirm acceptance of the scholarship, or NMBD will move on to the next awardee.

Rajasthani Caravan USA Tour Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: Friday, Aug. 16

  • New Mexico Belly Dance is offering one full workshop package for one recipient. You do not have to be a member of New Mexico Belly Dance for this scholarship.

    The full workshop package includes the two Rajasthani workshops on Sept. 2 and one ticket to the evening show.

    To view workshop descriptions and instructors, visit Fusion World Dance Studio website.

  • The scholarship will cover the cost to attend the two workshops as well as a ticket to the evening show.

    Any other expenses, including travel, food, or accommodations are NOT included in the scholarship. The recipient will accept responsibility for all other expenses associated with the event.

    There is no financial compensation or cash value for the scholarship if the recipient cannot, for whatever reason, attend the workshops.

  • You do not have to be a member of New Mexico Belly Dance to apply for this scholarship.

    Please fully complete the scholarship application below by Friday, Aug. 16, before midnight.

  • Recipients will be selected by an impartial panel of NMBD judges. Awardees will be notified by Wednesday, Aug. 19 . Recipient must confirm acceptance of the scholarship by Aug. 21, or NMBD will offer the award to the next recipient.

    Recipients must be 18 years or older.

    Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, Aug. 16 before midnight.

Scholarship FAQs

How Do I Apply for an NMBD Scholarship?

Available scholarships will be listed on this page, along with the application form. If you do not see an application form, there are no scholarships available at this time.

How are NMBD Scholarships Awarded?

The NMBD Scholarship Committee consists of NMBD members who review the scholarship applications. The applications are provided to the committee by the NMBD president. The president does not serve on the committee but acts as the coordinator for the program, providing the applications to the committee and removing any individual indicators, such as name, location, and place of instruction. Committee members are provided a scoring matrix based on the scholarship questions. Scholarship criteria can vary, depending on the instructional program, however, NMBD gives priority to applicants who show a passion and understanding of the cultural roots and implications of our dance. Occasionally, scholarships will be offered to members only.

How Do I Arrange a Scholarship for My Event?

NMBD works with our professional members to offer scholarship funds for their events. Professionals interested must be members of NMBD. Amounts of scholarships will vary, depending on available funds.

Please complete the Application for Sponsorship.