The Scholarship
Xavier Atienza, age 8.
The Xavier Atienza Dance Scholarship was established in 2014, in memory of Xavier Atienza, whose passion for dance was only bested by his passion for eating donuts and bacon! His enthusiasm, talent, charm and dedication was inspirational to those who danced with him and those who watched him on stage. The Xavier Atienza Dance Scholarship is awarded to dance students whose love for the art of dance, like Xavier's, brings joy and inspiration to those around them. In receiving this scholarship, these students are recognized for their continuous hard work, excellent attendance, overall positive and encouraging attitude, and for the respect with which they treat their teachers and fellow students. The awardees fully express the deep meaning dance holds in their lives and they bring the peace and joy they find in dance to the students, teachers and audiences they touch through their dancing.
At present this scholarship is available for students between the ages of 8 and 18, who are enrolled in a dance program in the greater Metro DC area.
"Dance brings me joy because it lets me totally lose myself and yet, at the same time, find exactly who I am. Receiving this scholarship has made me more aware of the power I have to inspire others every day through my hard work." Katya, age 16, MSD student & 2017 awardee.
