2008/2009 AWARDS

LUTSF has pleasure in announcing 21 travel scholarships for 2008/09. The funded projects highlight the policy of the Fund to support a diverse range of journeys and to assist individuals at different stages in their careers to travel to enrich their practice and pursue a personal passion.

Lisa Ullmann, in whose memory the Fund was established in 1986, was an inspiration to those who knew her or who came into contact with her work. A distinguished teacher, she travelled worldwide to teach others. It is in memory of her vivacity, passion and energy that the committee continues her work by selecting movement and dance practitioners to further or celebrate their own practice by making a journey. Since giving its first awards in 1987 LUTSF has provided 375 travel scholarships to help people to pursue an extraordinarily wide range of projects. Over the years LUTSF awards have totalled about £168,000.

This year one scholarship has been awarded in memory of Vivien Gear, LUTSF secretary who died suddenly in 2007. The scholarship winner was recommended by the British Ballet Organisation with whom Vivien also worked.

The number of applications was higher by 50% this year. The calibre of the 80+ applicants was high and the task of selecting scholarship winners has been difficult. There were applications from a wide range of age groups, from more male dancers than usual, and dance styles represented included street dance, West African dance, belly dance and Graham technique. Film makers and artists also submitted applications.

LUTSF projects for 2008/09 include; (full list available on the website)

· London to Sydney to attend Reeldance 2008 and to investigate the Australian infra-structure for dance film, see work, meet artists and participate in discussions and workshops.

· Dundee to Los Angeles and San Francisco to explore the the professional dance scene and the Department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA.

· Leamington Spa to Senegal for training in traditional West African dances to expand performance and teaching repertoire.

· Hampshire to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to research Robert Cohan's work in Israel in preparation for a biography.

· London to La Paz in Bolivia to lead a community dance project for a disadvantaged youth group on behalf of 'Creative Corners'.

· Leeds to New York to attend the Rock Steady Crew annual breakdance festival to develop personal skills.

A total of £9,840 has been awarded to 21 winners. Of the 21, 8 are under 30, 10 are between 31 and 50, 3 are over 50. 7 awardees are male and 14 female marking a distinctly improved gender balance this year. Geographical spread is satisfactory with 6 awardees coming from London, 5 from the north, 2 from the south, 2 from the west, 3 from the midlands and 1 each from Scotland, the east and Wales.

LUTSF gratefully acknowledges the support of Gillian Lynne, CBE, the late Annie Collins and the late Vivien Gear as well as many individual donors. The Management Committee of the Fund would like to congratulate scholarship winners, and is delighted that LUTSF is able to help make so many exciting projects possible.

Donations (one-off gifts, covenants, or bequests) to make it possible for LUTSF to continue its work are gratefully received and should be sent to: The Treasurer (LUTSF), Laban, Creekside, London SE8 3DZ

Information and guidelines for applicants are available online.

Application Forms can be obtained from the website from 1^st September for a deadline of 25^th January: type LUTSF into your search engine or send an A5 SAE (1st class stamp) to:

The Secretary (LUTSF), Breach, Kilmington, Axminster, Devon EX13 7ST