TSV Scholarship Program
Former Scholarship Recipients: Kaili Che & Brianne Chan
Photography by: Carla Alcántara
TSV Scholarship Program
The Training Society of Vancouver (TSV) offers two scholarship opportunities for dance artists on the unceded & stolen territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱w.7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, colonially known as Vancouver. TSV offers consistent dance training with a wide range of teachers throughout the program. TSV accepts anyone who is on their dance movement journey, whether they are emerging artists, mid-career artists, established artists or anyone who is dedicating themselves in expanding their knowledge in dance. TSV's goal is to cultivate a welcoming community and provide opportunities for growth.
*TSV currently does not receive any funding and have been dealing with some financial constraints this past year. There may be an occasional week or day without programming in our Fall 2025 season.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
We are thrilled to welcome these scholarship recipients for Fall 2025:
Emily Clarke is a dance artist based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She completed her professional training with Modus Operandi, under the direction of Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond, and Kate Franklin, where she performed works by Shay Kuebler, Alanna Kraaijeveld, Justine Chambers, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, and others.
Since graduating in 2023, Emily has premiered a new work in collaboration with Allie Shiff for Chalk It Up, and a solo titled Lump, for the Garden Gallery. She has danced as an apprentice with Mascall Dance and recently performed a work by Avery Smith at Boombox.
Emily was a recipient of the EDAM training scholarship for Winter 2024 and is excited to continue her training with TSV this Fall.
Emily’s recent creative work explores the layering of imagined and remembered worlds. By intertwining these narratives, her work reflects on the shifts and coincidences that emerge.
Photo by Bree Castle
Nancy Li is a contemporary and ballet dancer based in Vancouver, BC.
She graduated with a BFA in Dance from Simon Fraser University (2018–2022) and has since been active in Vancouver’s dance community.
She danced with Lamondance Company for three seasons, performing works by Canadian and international choreographers, and has collaborated with Dance//Novella on projects at the Banff Centre and in local community events.
Nancy is now building her freelance career, drawing on her training in ballet and contemporary to explore her voice as both performer and emerging choreographer. She is passionate about using dance to reflect cultural identity, foster collaboration, and create meaningful connections with audiences.
Photo by AdrianO D
TESTIMONIALS
“I think the scholarship program is a great opportunity to go after if you’re wanting to train consistently, get to know people in the community, and want to learn about different approaches to contemporary dance. I think it’s especially excellent if you yourself are not quite sure how to approach your personal practice since you’ll be able to try on so many and see the nuances in how people build their approach.” — Anna Wang-Albini, Spring 2024 Scholarship Recipient
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to train regularly and meet amazing artists through this program. This program provided me with the consistency I desired while I transition into being a freelance dancer and consider what training is beneficial for me now.” — Kaya Tsurumi, Winter 2024 Scholarship Recipient
“The TSV is a safe and welcoming environment to train, explore, and discover movement and the Vancouver dance company” — Renata Monteón, Spring 2024 Scholarship Recipient
“The TSV scholarship program was great! It was exciting to try on a new class every week and have the space to work on my interests. The community is very supportive and there were lots of opportunities to connect and grow relationships. I really enjoyed this opportunity and can’t wait to take classes with TSV soon!” — Nicole Pavia, Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipient
“This was one of the most memorable and supportive experiences I’ve encountered! This scholarship program truly encouraged and created time for self-directed practicing and learning. I appreciate the enthusiasm, care, and passion from this organization and their ability to continue fostering the growth of artists within the dance community.” — Kaili Che, Winter 2023 Scholarship Recipient
“As a recent graduate Modus Operandi, the TSV Scholarship program gave me the privilege to keep learning and has helped me with transitioning from a student to a professional dance artist. It gave me a wonderful way to engage myself with new artistic and physical practices while also connecting with members of the dance community from all over the world. I had a great experience working with the TSV team and can't wait to keep taking class.” — Brianne Chan, Winter 2023 Scholarship Recipient
“Highly recommend this program! It was a great way to meet new people and build connections in the community. The variety instructors was very beneficial to my training in finding different approaches to movement. Would do it all over again if I could!” — Oksana Augustine, Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipient
“I've never experienced such diversity in dance. Through the different styles and teachers I got to explore my body in new ways, but also my mentality concerning movement in general.” — Dror Manuel Zipori, Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipient
