Tiraz Dance Network announces in Memoriam:

The Aliya Quinn Middle Eastern Dance Scholarship

As a tribute to Founding Member, Aliya, Tiraz Dance Network is continuing an annual scholarship opportunity to be awarded to a Tiraz member who embodies many of the attributes that were loved and admired in this inspiring performer, instructor and mentor.
The funding and criteria for this award were established by the Tiraz Board of Directors and Aliya’s husband, George Quinn. The recipient will be announced each year at our annual Holiday Hafla.

“The Aliya Quinn Middle Eastern Dance Scholarship” recipient will inspire and/or be a role model in our dance community and like Aliya will possess:

· a professional attitude and commitment to Raks Sharqi while welcoming innovations
· a generosity of spirit, genuine warmth and the desire to encourage others
· a willingness to learn, try new techniques, and to explore new genres

The scholarship award is $250 to be used for Middle Eastern Dance education exclusively.

Aliya (Dr. Janet Quinn) performed Middle Eastern Dance for over 30 years. She was an instructor and troupe director of Kismet Dancers, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information about Aliya, please visit her website at www.aliyaquinn.com.

"Janet had a way of getting people to feel positive about themselves and to discover themselves. Janet will be remembered for her selfless attitude, her sunny spirit, and warm friendly smile." – George Quinn

Guidelines for
The Aliya Quinn
Middle Eastern Dance Scholarship

Tiraz Dance Network will offer a special scholarship in memory of one of our founding members, Aliya Quinn, to support the training and instruction of our members.

Selection Criteria:
1. Potential recipients must be Tiraz members who are nominated by their instructor or other members of the dance community
2. Nominees must submit an essay and bio which concisely demonstrates their worthiness for receiving the scholarship
3. Tiraz Board Members will appoint a selection committee of at least three individuals to blindly choose the winner of the award based on need, merit, passion for the art form and/or exceptional contribution to our organization or the dance community
4. All decisions based on Selection Committee Recommendations and Board Member Approval will be final

Eligible Dance Instruction:
1. Middle Eastern in nature or an acceptable fusion of Middle Eastern with another dance form deemed appropriate by the Board
2. Offered by an approved instructor of Middle Eastern Dance
3. Approved by the Board with the exception of all Tiraz Dance Network workshops

Disbursement of funds:
1. Funds may not be used to cover travel expenses to and from classes/workshops
2. Funds will be paid directly to the instructor or dance studio
3. Funds must be used within one year of issue date and membership status must be current

We are now accepting nominations. Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2008. The winner of the award will be announced at the Holiday Hafla on December 6, 2009.
www.tirazdancenetwork.com