Cleveland, Ohio · A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
Twenty years of opening curtains for young dancers.
We provide scholarships to young dancers who show exceptional ability and intend to pursue ballet professionally — helping cover tuition, supplies, and the costs of training full-time.
Applications for the 2026 Scholarship are now closed.
Recipients will be announced at the end of August. Requirements for the next cycle are available on the How to Apply page.
Our Mission
Talent should decide who dances. Not tuition.
The E. John Busser Ballet Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by E. John Busser, a lifelong lover of the arts and a visionary of a brighter future for ballet.
The organization was created to provide scholarships to young dancers who demonstrate exceptional ability and aspire to continue into undergraduate ballet studies and professional ballet. We recognize that ability through funding that helps pay for tuition, supplies, and the other expenses that arise in pursuing dance full-time.
One hundred percent of every donation goes to the dancers. All administrative costs are covered separately by the board.
Celebrating Our 20th Year
What two decades have added up to
How We Help
Three things every award provides
01
Funding
Money toward tuition, supplies, and the expenses that come with training at a pre-professional level.
02
Recognition
Recipients are chosen by people with the experience to recognize genuine promise in a young dancer.
03
Encouragement
Support that tells a dancer their potential is worth investing in, at the moment it matters most.
Scholarship Leadership
The people behind the Scholarship
Mr. E. John Busser
President
Mrs. Robin Fiddes
Executive Director
Mr. Joshua P. Busser
Secretary / Treasurer
Questions, or want to get involved?
Email us any time — for general questions, partnership enquiries, or to find out how you can contribute to the cause.