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.

Shimmy Fest Scholarship- Albuquerque

  • NMBD is providing two scholarships for Sadie’s Shimmy Fest, celebrating 10 years! Each scholarship will be one workshop of your choice with special guest instructor Kata Maya:

    Saturday, April 11th: Pop Choreography: 1-3 p.m.

    -or-

    Sunday, April 12th: Graceful Lines & Movement 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

    To learn more about the workshops, visit the Shimmy Fest website.

  • Scholarship includes access to one workshop of your choice.

    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, Feb. 27. Scholarship will be awarded March 9.

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

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Shimmy Mob 2026 Scholarships: Deadline Feb. 20

  • Are you interested in participating in Shimmy Mob 2026? NMBD is providing a scholarship to participate in Shimmy Mob in either Albuquerque or Portales, 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 leaders in Albuquerque and Portales for more details on those specific events.

  • 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 per the two locations (Portales and Albuquerque).

  • Applicants must submit a complete the 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 Friday, Feb. 20. Scholarship will be awarded March 1.

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

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

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.