SCHOLARSHIPS

THE MICHAEL MCARTHUR SCHOLARSHIP

Michael McArthur, a dear part of the Verdon Fosse® Legacy family and our first protégé, passed away in May 2020 at the age of 34.

The Michael McArthur Scholarship honors Michael’s incredible role in this legacy and helps to support the training of the next generation of Verdon Fosse® Legacy dancers.

“Michael was undeniably an exceptionally skilled talent as a dancer, teacher, assistant, choreographer, and reconstructeur. However, it was not Michael’s skills nor his talents that drew me to him; it was his authentic humility, kindness, patience, and true empathy that caused me to want to work with him and to spend time with him.” — Nicole Fosse, Founder and Artistic Director of The Verdon Fosse® Legacy

To make a contribution to The Michael McArthur Scholarship, please contact info@verdonfosse.com.

AAKASH DEVI

2024 Recipient

THE HINTON BATTLE SCHOLARSHIP

Three-time Tony-winning dancer, actor, and choreographer Hinton Battle passed away January 29 after a brief illness. He was 67. At the age of 18, Battle made his Broadway debut as the original Scarecrow in The Wiz, receiving momentous acclaim for his energetically athletic dance style. He would later go on to work with some of the most influential choreographers in the industry, including Bob Fosse in the original production of Dancin' and Michael Bennett in the original production of Dreamgirls.

Battle received an impressive three Tony Awards for originating three vastly varied roles: in Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Miss Saigon. He won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for all three roles, making him the most-awarded actor in the category's history.

This scholarship is awarded to an attendee of the Hinton Battle Day of Dance to a promising young performer to attend The Verdon Fosse Legacy Professional Training Program on a full scholarship.

To make a contribution to The Hinton Battle Scholarship, please contact info@verdonfosse.com.

KYLE PARKS

2024 Recipient

Nicole Fosse assigned the Bob Fosse®/ Gwen Verdon Fellowship (previously the Bob Fosse® Theatre Scholarship founded by Gwen Verdon) to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a permanent scholarship for a deserving student.

The fellowship to the professional division of The Ailey School was established after a major gift from Nicole Fosse in October 2003. At the time, Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Judith Jamison said in a statement:

"It is an honour to be able to pay tribute to Mr. Fosse® and Ms. Verdon, two influential figures in the world of dance. This generous gift will celebrate their extraordinary legacies and their commitment to opening doors for performing artists of the future." — Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

For more information about Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, visit www.alvinailey.org.

THE BOB FOSSE®/GWEN VERDON FELLOWSHIP

Former Bob Fosse®/Gwen Verdon Fellows at The Ailey School