Scholarships

‘As a training organisation, we want to encourage learners to continue their journey whether with us or by studying elsewhere.  Whatever path you choose, it is the ongoing commitment to learning that is essential.’

Encouraging New Learning:  

We offer the ‘Yvette Cowles Scholarship’, twice a year, in memory of our late director, Yvette Cowles.

Yvette believed that we never stop learning and we want this prestigious award to encourage dancers to continue their development through our accredited courses that Yvette helped design.

Yvette wrote and starred in her one-woman show ‘Sequins on my Balcony’ about her experiences with breast cancer, as well as writing a book ‘Belly Dance and Beating the Odds’.  Both of these gave many women hope and helped people see that you can live a full and rewarding life whilst living with cancer.

This will only be awarded when there is a ‘deserving’ candidate.  If no one demonstrates the requested attributes then we will hold over until the next time.

Our Yvette Cowles Scholarship has been awarded to many dancers over the years from differing Bellydance disciplines.

• We are now inviting applications for our next Teaching Diploma scholarship.
• Your deadline:  31st July 2026
• We welcome applications from committed dancers worldwide.
• Scholarships of  up to £100 off the course cost.  If you have already booked your place, the scholarship will still apply if successful.
• We will review applications received and inform you within 2 weeks of the deadline.
• The next Teaching Diploma course starts 10/11th October – full details here.
• It is a big commitment  – it is in depth and fascinating – are you up for the challenge?
• As soon as you pay your deposit and sign up for the course you will get access to the on line sections to start your journey.  There are also mentoring sessions to help with any pre-course work.  These will be recorded for those that join late.

Qualities we look for from applicants:

• Evidence of ongoing Bellydance training
• Evidence of a commitment to the wider dance community
• Additional commitment to health and well-being is desirable but not essential
• To Apply:
• Send an email to info@bellydance-now.com which includes:
• Your name, address, contact number
• Details of your personal dance journey: who you have studied with and your current situation.
• Include any examples which illustrate the qualities we are looking for mentioned above.
• Please tell us why you want to do the Teaching Diploma – and what you hope to get from it.
• Please take time to think about your application – we can only go on the information you give us.

You can subscribe to our newsletter here for updates and reminders of deadlines.
Go to Bellydance Safely for full details on this course.
Go to Bellydance Music Explored for more details about this course

 

Recipients of our Yvette Cowles Scholarship June 2026
This scholarship was awarded to 2 dancers to help towards the Level 1 teaching course.

Meet Amal Alzahrani

Amal says:  “When I saw the Level 1 Teaching Scholarship, I was thrilled and applied immediately. Dorte and Kay were so genuinely interested in me and my story. I am Amal from Saudi Arabia, the first Saudi professional bellydance performer. I taught myself bellydance without any teachers or schools, as this was not available back home in Saudi Arabia. However, my passion for bellydance overcame that obstacle; I practiced, learned on my own, and eventually began teaching beginners how to start dancing and learning. I came to London with big hopes and started immersing myself in the community, meeting wonderful people to develop myself further and further. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been chosen for this scholarship. Everyone has surrounded me with so much personal support and care.”

 

 

 

Meet Dorne Clarry

Dorne says:  ‘I fell in love with bellydance 30 years ago when I went to my first class and have danced ever since.  I have had the pleasure of dancing with some wonderful teachers and groups over this time.  I currently run a weekly session in Cumbria for both experienced and new dancers.  I really enjoy introducing  new people to this wholesome, uplifting and joyous artform.  I am constantly growing and learning as a dancer and teacher, attending workshops throughout the year, which fuel my enthusiasm and passion for bellydance.  I enjoy performing at charity events and fundraisers in my local community.   Being part of the bellydance family is very important to me.  I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have received the Yvette Cowles Scholarship. This means so much to me.  I am really looking forward to learning and expanding my knowledge from such amazing teachers.’