| The recipients of the 2011 Gary Parks Scholarships have been announced on the conference page (click here)! |
In order to assist critics working outside of New York to attend the annual DCA conference, the organization created the Gary Parks Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2001. Parks, who had been a reviews editor at Dance Magazine for many years, was in contact with writers all over the US and beyond, drawing them into conversations about dance and writing. The DCA created this scholarship to help continue those discussions, and help connect writers to their colleagues in the dance community.
The scholarship is designed primarily for emerging writers who, without assistance, would not be able to attend the conference. The honor includes conference fees and a stipend toward transportation and/or lodging. Applicants submit a small portfolio of their published work, and a cover letter outlining their background, goals and current situation. In return, the scholars write about their experiences for the DCA News.
The Parks Scholarship is funded through direct donations, and the DCA is always grateful for any support. For more information, contact:
Dance Critics Association
POB 1882
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113
or email dancecritics@hotmail.com.
Other opportunities to study dance and arts criticism include:
- American Dance Festival
- Society of Dance History Scholars
- Dance Heritage Coalition
- American Theatre Critics Association
- Music Critics Association of North America
- USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Fellowship Program
What Previous Gary Parks Scholars Say:
"Forget the loneliness of the long distance runner, dance writers top that hands-down. Not too many choose this career path, all for sound reasons. Those who do, choose to because we love dance and have something to offer the public in the way of our perceptions and opinions. I was a relative newbie when I received the Gary Parks Scholarship. It was wonderful to meet folks who, despite less than ideal circumstances, keep on writing. I felt welcomed into this world. Elizabeth Zimmer's no nonsense voice is still in my head when I take pen to paper. Dance writing friends are a must for survival in this difficult business."
―Nancy Wozny, 2004 Gary Parks Scholar, Houston, TexasPrevious Gary Parks Scholars
| 2011 | Jennifer McLester (emerging writer), The Backstage Beat, Atlanta, Georgia |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Zachary Whittenburg (established writer), Whittenburg writes about dance in Chicago, originally for Flavorpill.com and the Windy City Times. More recently he's written for SeeChicagoDance.com and the Chicago Dancemakers Forum's Silverspace Salon series. He is currently the Dance Editor at Time Out Chicago. |
| 2009 | No scholarships given. |
| 2008 | Ali Duffy (emerging writer), From Greensboro, North Carolina, Duffy has written as a freelance writer for World Dance Reviews, The Carolinian, and Dance Spirit Magazine. |
| 2007 | Megan Andrews (experienced writer), The Dance Current: Toronto, Ontario |
| 2006 | Heather Eng, Entertainment section, The Boston Herald, Boston, Mass. |
| 2005 | Kena Herod, Maisonneuve, Montreal, Canada |
| 2004 | Dana Gavin Frank, Contributor: Dallas Morning News, Frisco Style Magazine, Dallas, Texas |
| 2003 | Ana Paula Hofling, Honolulu Star, Laramie, Wyoming (relocated) |
| 2002 | Sara Wolf, L. A. Weekly, Los Angeles, California |