American Dance Institute Awards Scholarships to Washington Ballet Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Washington Ballet (TWB) is pleased to announce that two of its Studio Company members, Nardia Boodoo and Darion Flores, will receive the ADI Scholarship, created to support promising young artists in the early stages of their careers.

"ADI is thrilled to support these two talented dancers as they begin their professional careers," said Runqiao Du, co-director of ADI's scholarship initiative and former principal dancer with The Washington Ballet. "The support I received from Mary Day at the beginning of my career was invaluable. It is so fulfilling to be able to give back to the next generation of dancers through ADI's new scholarship initiative."

Co-Directors of ADI's scholarship initiative, Erin and Runqaio Du, worked with The Washington Ballet leadership in selecting Boodoo and Flores as the recipients after observing rehearsals and working with the dancers on various ballets. Both dancers show exceptional eagerness and maturity in the studio and strong potential to have long and successful careers with The Washington Ballet.

"We are excited to receive the support of American Dance Institute as this type of funding is crucial in ensuring our dance stars of the future have the opportunities they need to succeed," said Arthur Espinoza, Jr., The Washington Ballet's Managing Director.

The ADI scholarship is part of a larger initiative that furthers ADI's commitment to supporting the development of the next generation of dance artists and looks to increase diversity and access to dance education.The full scholarship initiative will be announced by ADI in the coming months. The Washington Ballet will receive $20,000 to support stipends for Boodoo and Flores throughout the 2015.16 season.

Boodoo and Flores will perform this week in theNEWmovement: Balanchine & Beyond premiering at The Washington Ballet's England Studio on Wisconsin Avenue Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Both performances begin at 7PM.

For more information, visit washingtonballet.org.

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