New Allison Baden-Clay scholarship supports young dancer’s dreams

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today [10 March] announced Brisbane dance student Tajuddin (Taji) Hennessy will pursue her dreams of a professional career through a new Queensland Government ballet scholarship to honour the memory of Allison Baden-Clay.

“Queensland Ballet Academy student Taji is the inaugural recipient of the $5000 Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Allison’s tragic death and the continuing work of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation brings to the forefront the devastating impact domestic and family violence has in our community.

“This new scholarship pays tribute to Allison’s love of dance and highlights the importance of nurturing our young people and providing them with safe environments to develop their full potential,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Taji was a student of Kelvin Grove State College’s Mid Track Dance program, and successfully auditioned for a place in Queensland Ballet Academy’s Senior Program.

“This scholarship recognises Taji’s exceptional talent and her aim to one day join a professional ballet company.”

The Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship will assist Taji to complete Level 1 at the Queensland Ballet Academy during Year 12 in 2018.

“I’m so grateful for this generous scholarship, in memory of Allison Baden Clay, that is enabling me to take another step towards my dream of dancing in a professional ballet company one day,” Ms Hennessy said.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch praised Queensland Ballet for the company’s leadership role in training the next generation of dancers.

“Last year the Queensland Government announced a $10 million investment to expand the Queensland Ballet Academy to further support aspiring young dancers,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Academy, a purpose-built facility at Kelvin Grove State College, will have the capacity to train up to 200 dance students each year and will rival elite ballet training facilities in the Asia Pacific region.”

The annual Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship will be available until 2020 to support another two senior-year high school students with their Queensland Ballet Academy studies.

ENDS

Media contact:

Premier’s Office:                            Susan McGrady 0488 996 667