The Helen Parlor Dance Bursary
Helen‘s passion and fire for dance continues in her memory through the Helen Parlor Dance Bursary, now in its third year.
Helen played a crucial role in uplifting the art of dance in Milton Keynes. She paved the way for dance professionals, nurtured the talents of aspiring dancers, utilised the power of the arts to energise communities, and brought incredible performances to Milton Keynes for the enjoyment of the public.
To honour Helen Parlor, this project continues her legacy.
In collaboration with MK Community Foundation and MK City Council, an endowment fund has been established to provide support for dancers and choreographers in Milton Keynes.
Congratulations to the 2025-26 recipient, Lisa Risdale.
Applications for the 2026-27 Helen Parlor Dance Bursary open soon.
The 2026-27 Helen Parlor Dance Bursary will be for £1000.00.
To support their development, the recipient will also be offered two x two-hour mentoring sessions from their choice of a pool of successful dance artists, choreographers and producers.
To register your interest for the 2026-27 award, click here:
This work has been supported by funding from the following:
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"Through the support of the bursary and the accompanying MÓTUS mentoring, this award has helped me forge new ways of thinking about sustainability in dance – particularly in how to build a presence and connect communities
together..”
Lisa Risdale - 2025-26 recipient