New scholarship for dancers launched

News Release 5 March 2009

GENEROUS NEW SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR OUTSTANDING DANCERS

Outstanding young New Zealand dancers will benefit from the generosity of a former dancer, with the announcement of a new scholarship from the Eileen May Norris Dance Scholarships Trust, it was announced today by Public Trust. Public Trust administers and manages the scholarship, and is sole trustee.

There will be one award of up to $20,000 for 2009. The scholarship is open to dancers aged between 18 and 24 who have demonstrated outstanding dance talent. It will be awarded to dancers of any genre undertaking a specific endeavour related to dance. The scholarship was seen by Miss Norris as an opportunity to give back to the arts by giving outstanding young dancers the means to reach their potential by building on their talents through further study in dance.

Public Trust’s National Manager of Specialist & Charitable Business, Lindsay Pope, says, “Miss Norris showed wonderful generosity in establishing this scholarship for young New Zealand dancers and Public Trust is proud to be involved with this award.”

The winner of the 2009 scholarship will be decided by an advisory committee and will be announced in July this year.

Eileen Norris had a passion for dance. When she died in 2003 aged 88, her Will established the dance scholarship to encourage young dancers. A ballroom dancing medal winner right up until her middle-aged years, Miss Norris was also a keen Latin American dancer who performed the tango and the rumba. She loved music and was a proficient piano player.

Applications for the Eileen May Norris Scholarships Trust are now open; closing date for applications is Thursday 30 April 2009. For more information and scholarship regulations, look on http://www.publictrust.co.nz/charitable_trusts/norris_dance/scholarship

Public Trust administers and manages more than 400 charitable trusts (including scholarships) with interests as diverse as the arts, science, medicine, disability and agriculture. Collectively, the trusts provide the means for many people to live better lives, enhance their skills or enjoy better community facilities.

ENDS

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