Bedford Dancer Awarded College Scholarship

BEDFORD, NY — A Bedford-area dancer has received a $16,000 scholarship to pursue a college education.

Emily Slater of Cross River received the scholarship from the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation. She studies at the Westchester Dance Academy in Mount Kisco.

“It is with great pride and hope that I award scholarships to these 10 dancers right here in front of such a supportive audience,” said Joe Lanteri, executive director and founder of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation at Destiny Rising, said at the fundraising event. “By investing in their education, we are investing in their potential to accomplish wonderful things—with education, experience and self-exploration in the coming years. Remember these names and remember these faces. These are the stars of tomorrow.”

Ten 2017 scholarships recipients were named during a recent fundraising performance. The dancers were from eight different states.

The New York City Dance Alliance Foundation describes itself as a forward-thinking charity committed to shaping the future lives and training of young dancers.

The fundraising program also included guest performances from prominent professional dance companies, including Desmond Richardson, Parsons Dance, and American Ballet Theatre soloists Catherine Hurlin and Aran Bell.

Scholarships are cash funds provided directly to the college of the awardees' choice. Recipients were chosen from a ballet and contemporary audition in New York City held in January 30.

To date, the foundation has facilitated over $22 million in scholarships since its inception in 2010, providing top dancers in the nation with opportunities to pursue secondary education.