Scholarship Hat-Trick For Dance Graduate

Rosemary Martin received her third scholarship in as many years when she was made the 2002 Todd Corporation Scholar at last Saturday’s (subs: 17 November) New Zealand School of Dance graduation ceremony.

This year’s award – a scholarship to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet next year – completes a clean sweep of scholarships for the 19-year-old Auckland-born dancer.

Rosemary received the Katrina Todd Scholarship in 1999 and 2001, in recognition of her talent and financial hardship while studying. (Ms Todd, a former dancer, is the daughter of Todd Corporation Chairman, John Todd.)

Rosemary’s parents Chris and Joanne Martin were on hand to witness their daughter’s triumph. It was only last year that Joanne was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Remarkably, a donor was found close to home: her husband Chris’s kidney was a perfect match.

At one stage both parents had to take time off work, placing extra pressure on the family’s finances. Rosemary’s succession of scholarships enabled her to continue her dance studies without worrying about money.

The Todd Corporation Scholarship will contribute to Rosemary’s annual salary for a year while she is with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s General Manager, Sue Paterson, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of the Todd Corporation, who have provided this opportunity for a young graduate to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet. I am delighted to welcome Rosemary into the company fold and I wish her every success for 2002,” she said.

Chairman of the Todd Corporation, John Todd, said he was pleased to offer the scholarship, especially as it recognises his personal association with ballet in New Zealand as a former Trustee of both the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand School of Dance.

“I am happy that the Todd Corporation is supporting Rosemary in her career with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In the granting of this scholarship we recognise the very high reputation of the New Zealand School of Dance, and in particular its top graduates.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media