Darwin’s favourite senior dance troupe the Grey Panthers, continue to give to the community in the most inspiring way.

The Grey Panthers have announced that their 2019 Grey Panthers Youth Development Fund initiative will contribute towards the cost of three young Territorians attending the Australian Youth Dance Festival in Melbourne from 7 - 12 July 2019.

The Grey Panthers Youth Development Fund (GPYDF) was established in 2017 by long term Grey Panther Daryl Butler who said ‘Tracks has given us so many opportunities to do things we wouldn’t otherwise do and we want to give back and give something to younger dancers, offer a helping hand.’

The group are offering three scholarships of $820 towards costs to attend the Australian Youth Dance Festival in Melbourne from 7 - 12 July 2019. It won’t cover all of the costs, however it will be a helping hand for aspiring young NT dancers.

Jenni Saunders, who has danced with the Grey Panthers (GP) for 7 years said “As a Grey Panther I’m excited to be able to offer this opportunity for young people to expand their horizons and advance their interests.”

About the 2019 Australian Youth Dance Festival

Ausdance Victoria, in partnership with Youth Dance Australia, presents the Australian Youth Dance Festival – International 2019 (AYDF) in Melbourne, Australia from 7 - 12 July 2019.

Directed by Alice Lee Holland, the 2019 Festival will bring together young dancers and their leaders from Australia and around the world for five incredible days of creativity.

Titled 'REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE (rpm)', the Festival will thrive on creation and collaboration. Dancers will dance, think, make and talk dance together, through daily sessions in contemporary dance, choreography, repertory and improvisation.

About the Application

The Grey Panthers are accepting video applications (filmed on a phone) and hope in this way it will make the application process accessible to many young people include those for whom English is a second language.

The scholarship will cover:

- $320 Festival registration fee*
*includes access to Opening and Closing events (light catering), full Young Dancers Program including all sessions, lunches, Festival t-shirt & complimentary ticket to International Showcase Dress Rehearsal. 

- $500 for expenses*
*there are no restrictions on how this money is spent, provided that it contributes towards attendance at the Festival (i.e. accomodation, transport, meals etc.)

Register your expression of interest

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The GPYDF/Tracks Dance Company will NOT provide adult accompaniment, supervision or guardianship of any kind, nor take any responsibility for successful applicants' travel and accommodation arrangements. Applicants will be attending the Festival as individuals and must be capable of independently navigating the Festival experience, and day to day life in Melbourne.

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be
- Between 16 and 25 years of age
- A permanent resident of the Northern Territory
- Prepared to make a presentation to the Grey Panthers upon return from the festival (can be online for applicants outside of Darwin)

Applications CLOSE: Wednesday 24 April
Applicants NOTIFIED: Friday 3 May