top of page

Christine Churchill Memorial Scholarship Application 

Christine Churchill, affectionately known to her students as “Miss Churchill,” loved the world of ballet and relished sharing it with whomever she came in contact with. Miss Churchill so enjoyed teaching children and always hoped — dreamed even — that one or more of her students would someday go on to bravura careers in a ballet company. The Christine Churchill Memorial Scholarship fund supports young dancers who aspire to have that “bravura ballet career.”

Christine Churchill Memorial Scholarship

The Christine Churchill Memorial Scholarship (CCMS) is designed for dedicated SCD students who aspire to pursue a professional career and/or a college degree in dance. This scholarship provides three months of full tuition, allowing talented, hard-working dancers to focus on their training while receiving additional support to help them reach their goals. Along with full tuition, recipients receive a private lesson with an SCD instructor and ongoing mentorship and artistic guidance, including individualized feedback, goal-setting, and guidance as they prepare for future educational and professional opportunities in dance.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a current SCD student for a minimum of one year.

  • Enrolled in eligible level during the 2026-27 school year:

    • Intermediate I 2nd Year

    • Intermediate II 1st Year

    • Intermediate II 2nd Year 

  • During the two most recent months of completed instruction prior to the Application Submission Window deadline (including the prior school year, if applicable), the student must have met the following:

    • Base line enrollment of at least three ballet classes per week. 

    • 90% or better attendance in all registered programs.

    • Must have attended SCD camp (or equivalent training) for a minimum of three weeks during the most recent summer.

      • ​Exception for the 2026–2027 school year only: Due to this requirement being implemented after summer registration, students who attended at least two weeks during Summer 2026 will also be considered eligible. Beginning with Summer 2027, all applicants will be expected to meet the full three-week requirement.

    • Demonstrated sincere commitment and dedication to ballet by being an exemplary student at SCD in attitude and effort.

  • Express a strong interest in pursuing a college degree and/or a professional career in dance.

  • Have attended one CCMS Orientation Meeting during the current school year.

Orientation Meeting Dates

  • August 2, 2026, 1:30 pm at SCD 

  • November 21, 2026 — To Be Confirmed

  • February 16, 2027 — To Be Confirmed

Session, Submission, and Drawing Dates

  • Session 1: August 31, 2026–November 30, 2026

  • Application Submission Window: August 3–10 2026

  • Drawing Date: August 17, 2026

  • Session 2: January 4, 2027–March 31, 2027

  • Application Submission Window: November 23–30, 2026 — To Be Confirmed

  • Drawing Date: December 7, 2026 — To Be Confirmed

  • Session 3: April 1, 2027–June 26, 2027

  • Application Submission Window: February 18–25, 2027 — To Be Confirmed

  • Drawing Date: March 4, 2027 — To Be Confirmed

Selection Process

  • Students enter the CCMS lottery by signing and submitting the below CCMS Program Agreement within the Application Submission Window.

  • All submitted agreements are reviewed by SCD staff to verify eligibility, and staff may request follow-up meetings if needed.

  • Eligible students are entered into a lottery per session.

  • One student is selected per session.

  • All applicants are notified within 48 hours of the drawing date.

Sorry, but this form is now closed.

CCMS Program Agreement (If Selected)


By signing this document, student and parent/guardian agree, if selected, that:

Student Requirements During Session Awarded:

  • Attend a minimum of five classes per week and are encouraged to attend six or more classes per week.

  • Maintain 90% or better attendance in all registered programs.

    • Students are expected to complete makeup classes for any absences in order to maintain attendance requirements.

  • Continue to demonstrate a sincere commitment and dedication to ballet by being an exemplary student at SCD in attitude and effort.

    • Exhibiting dedication, focus, and a strong work ethic.

    • Embodying SCD’s values through respect, responsibility, and a positive attitude.

    • Welcoming and including fellow students of all ages and levels.

    • Using respectful and appropriate language in all SCD spaces.

    • Following all dress code, classroom etiquette, and studio expectations.

Program Benefits

  • Full class tuition coverage for the awarded session.

  • A 1 hour private lesson with a SCD instructor.

  • Individualized mentorship and artistic guidance from SCD Instructors.

Restrictions

  • No part of the class tuition can be applied towards performance fees, audition fees, field trips costs, or other program-related expenses.

  • Obtain prior permission from the Artistic Director, Patty O’Reilly, before participating in non-SCD ballet productions.

  • Previous CCMS recipients may reapply; however, first-time eligible applicants will receive priority in the lottery. Returning recipients will be considered only when no first-time eligible applicants are available for selection in that session.

Compliance

  • Failure to meet all program requirements will result in removal from the program.

  • If removed, any remaining CCMS tuition benefits for that session will be forfeited.

  • Students removed from the program may work to meet the program requirements and reapply when eligible.

Signature and Acknowledgment

By signing below, you confirm that:

  • Student and parent/guardian agree that all terms apply only if selected.

  • Signature confirms understanding and acceptance of all conditions.

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.
Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

Keep in Touch

Sonoma Conservatory of Dance logo

a nonprofit dance studio

561 Broadway Suite B

Sonoma, CA 95476 
 

707.938.1424

info@sonomadance.org

Help keep SCD thriving with your donation
Nonprofit Tax ID# 81-3649673

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
bottom of page