In December 1997, IAIRE!, under the direction of Alicia
Morena, initiated a student scholarship program for Flamenco ( Spanish
ethnic dance) in
Monterey
County.
Based on successful models in Kern and
Alameda counties, the
program is funded by the sale of packaged stationery for a donation of ten
dollars. Each greeting card shows a dancer in actual performance with dancer
anecdotes. Original photographs have been donated by audiences and
professional photographers, and production costs are covered by private
parties or individual businesses. Ms. Morena provided the first set and
invites other professionals and student performers to do the same as one of
the many means of keeping the program alive through multicultural programs.
In October 2000, local artist Betty Orrett contributed her first series of dancers at work in studio and on stage, done as pencil sketches, watercolours, and pen and ink washes. The Aditi Foundation sold her compelling posters, matted work, and stationery at the recent "La Velada" fund raiser to help support the second year of the Scholarship Program. To apply, male and female students should be between the ages of 11 and 17 and come from either a single parent household, or be one of several siblings in a large family desiring artistic training in dance. Interested students submit a typed, 3-paragraph biography which includes their motivation for studying ethnic dance, accompanied by a recent photographl full name signed across the top of it, and a parent or guardian's support in writing for this application, accompanied by a signature.
1998-1999 recipients, Masha Loukianenko and Kristelle Monterrosa, completed their scholarship year with the presentations of duo dance programs in county wide hospices, nursing homes, senior residences, and convalescent hospitals. During the scholarship period they were enrolled in Flamenco and Spanish dance, choreography, and production classes at the Monterey Peninsula College, culminating in a major community concert to honor the life and works of Federico Garcia-Lorca.
The Aditi (Sanskrit word for "Creative Abundance")
Scholarship Program is open to all youth in
Monterey
County.
If you are interested in making this available to your neighborhood, city,
school, or community organization, please contact the ADITI FOUNDATION,
INC. a non-profit cultural and charitable organization at
625-2857 or write C/o ADITI FOUNDATION1 612 Lighthouse Avenue.
Suite 2461
Pacific Grove,
CA
93950.