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.

Dancing to Live Music Workshop Intensive-ABQ

  • NMBD is providing two scholarships for this workshop intensive, June 20 from 12 to 2 pm.

    Join Michelle and an amazing band of musicians as we explore tips, techniques, and creative approaches to dancing to live music.

    She'll work with percussion, woodwind, and string instruments, building your confidence and comfort in dancing with an ensemble.

    Top the experience off with a performance that night at Maharajah Indian Cuisine! (Spaces limited and will be offered to first registrants).

  • Scholarship includes access to the one workshop.

    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, but preference will be given to awarding one of the scholarships to member applicants.

    Deadline for application is Friday, June 5. Scholarship will be awarded June 8.

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

SCHOLARSHIP CLOSED

Najmah Nour Scholarship- ABQ

  • NMBD is providing one full weekend scholarship and two individual scholarships for Najmah Nour.

    Visit our Workshop page for more information about the workshops and about Najmah Nour.

  • Scholarship includes one full weekend scholarship, and two individual workshops (three scholarships total).

    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, but preference will be given to awarding one of the scholarships to member applicants.

    Deadline for application is Monday, June 1. Scholarship will be awarded June 8.

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

SCHOLARSHIP CLOSED

Persian Dance Intensive- Santa Fe

  • Santa Fe, NM | April 24-26

    Join Natalie Nayun, hosted by Deborah Newberg, for this incredible intensive! Over 10 hours of dance immersing yourself in Persian Dance Technique, Choreography, Improvisation, History and more!

    Workshop Website

  • New Mexico Belly Dance is offering one full weekend scholarship. The scholarship will include the full weekend intensive , including all Saturday and Sunday sessions.

    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, but preference will be given to awarding one of the scholarships to member applicants.

    Deadline for application is Friday, March 27. Scholarship will be awarded March 30.

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

SCHOLARSHIP CLOSED

Shimmy Mob 2026 Scholarships: Deadline March 8

  • Are you interested in participating in Shimmy Mob 2026? NMBD is providing a scholarship to participate in Shimmy Mob in Rio Rancho, NM, May 9.

    Shimmy Mob is a world dance event that benefits domestic violence causes and bring local support for the cause through dance. For more information visit https://shimmymob.com/about/

    Reach out to the local team leader, Theresa Sherman, for more details on the specific event.

  • Scholarship includes payment for Shimmy Mob registration ($55 value).

    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, participate.

    NMBD will be awarding one scholarship for Rio Rancho, NM.

  • Applicants must submit a completed NMBD application. Please indicate which location you are applying for.

    You do not have to be a member of New Mexico Belly Dance to apply, but preference will be given to awarding one of the scholarships to member applicants.

    Deadline for application is Sunday, March 8. Scholarship will be awarded March 14.

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

SCHOLARSHIP CLOSED

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.

Scholarships Awarded in 2025

  • Zoe Jakes Workshops, Albuquerque, NM | June 14-15 | Hosted by Sirena Studio

  • Rajasthani Workshops, Portales, NM | Aug. 16 | Hosted by Yogini Yoli Movement Studio

  • New Mexico BellyFest, Santa Fe, NM | Sept. 19-21 | Hosted by NMBD

  • Tribal Workshops, Portales, NM | Oct. 18-19 | Hosted by Yogini Yoli Movement Studio

  • Persian Workshops, Santa Fe, NM | Oct. 17 | Hosted by Deborah Newberg

Hosting an event and are interested in scholarship sponsorship? Visit our sponsorship page.