The Bob Blackie Scholarship
Background:
Bob Blackie (1935-1998) influenced Scottish Country Dancing in North America in many ways. He was committed to excellence in teaching and, through that, the promotion of excellence in dancing at whatever level. He was committed to, deeply loved, and supported the Teachers' Association (Canada). During his term as Chairman, he took a leadership role in starting the Teachers' Association (Canada) Summer School - a school that every year encourages dancers of all levels of expertise to improve their dancing skills in an environment of excellent teaching, fine music, and wonderful camaraderie.
Scope and Purpose:
In his memory, longtime friend Ed Jones established the Bob Blackie Memorial Endowment to provide, as far as possible, a full scholarship annually to a Scottish Country Dancer to enable the dancer to attend a whole week of the Teachers' Association (Canada) Summer School. The scholarship must be used for tuition, meals, and lodging for any year's Summer School. Once the interest from the Bob Blackie Memorial Endowment becomes sufficient, the award may also be applied toward the recipient's travel costs.
2025 Bob Blackie Scholar
Kate Roytman, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kate Roytman (she/her) began her Scottish country dance journey when she was nine years old. She instantly fell in love with this unique dance style as a result of the wonderful music, the energetic jigs, and the strong sense of community. Over time, Kate has been able to build amazing friendships, improve her technique, and better connect with her family all because of Scottish country dance. Kate is currently entering her fourth year at Toronto Metropolitan University where she is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Kate hopes to pursue a career in the legal field while maintaining her passion for dance. |
Recent Bob Blackie Scholars
- 2025 Kate Roytman, Toronto, ON Canada
- 2024 James Harley, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- 2023 Adrian Velonis, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 2019 Bronwen Taylor, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- 2018 Jean Stewart Hundley, San Diego, USA
- 2017 Heather Fawkes, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
- 2016 Louise Kropinski, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- 2016 Annie Sapucaia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- 2015 Janet Peterson, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA
- 2013 Maggie Faber, Colorado, USA
- 2012 Chandi McCracken, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
- 2012 Arthur Baum, Los Angeles, California, USA
Criteria for Selection:
Based on the following criteria, an award will be made each year provided the applicant meets all the requirements listed:
- Must have participated in Scottish Country Dancing for at least two years;
- Must have demonstrated a genuine love of and interest in Scottish Country Dancing;
- Must have the desire to improve their dancing skills;
- Must commit to maintaining the best in Scottish Country Dancing;
- Preference will be given to a dancer with a demonstrated financial need.
- This scholarship is not available to those who have attained any level of their SCD teaching certification.
Application Process:
A dancer may apply for the Bob Blackie Memorial Scholarship by submitting the following:
- a letter of application to the Teachers' Association (Canada) that addresses all of the above five criteria in detail
- a letter of reference from at least one Scottish Country Dance teacher that addresses each of the five criteria in detail
Application Deadline:
Please submit the application materials for the Bob Blackie Scholarship by email to Sheila Careless, the Director of TAC Summer Events, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by March 31, 2026. Please include the applicant's surname and the phrase 2026 Bob Blackie Application in the email subject line and the file names of attachments.
Selection Process:
The selection of the scholarship recipient shall be made by a committee consisting of the Teachers' Association (Canada) Chairman, vice-chairman, past Chairman, treasurer, and Summer Events director, who shall review all applications received by the deadline. The scholarship shall be presented to the recipient as a pre-paid scholarship (i.e., waiver of tuition, meals, lodging, etc.). At this time, the recipient shall receive background information on establishing the scholarships and suitable biographical material on Bob Blackie. After attending Summer School, the recipient shall send a report on their experience to the Teachers' Association (Canada) for publication in TACTalk.
