THE JEMMA THOMAS SCHOLARSHIP

The Jemma Thomas Scholarship is offered annually by Kobika Dance as a three year programme to a secondary school student from within the local area. The recipient of the scholarship will demonstrate a passion and commitment to dance, cheerleading or both and would not necessarily have the means to pursue their passion otherwise. The recipient will be given the opportunity to attend regular classes (up to 3  a week) of various styles and will also have the option of attending workshops and holiday courses. All of these will be funded by the scholarship.
 
Candidates will be selected initially by completing an application form.
If they are successful they may be asked to attend an audition and interview.

Please contact us for an application form for The Jemma Thomas Scholarship 2016.

A word from Katie Cobie....
Artisic Director of Kobika Dance

During The Summer Dance Academy 2009, myself and the Kobika team had the joy of teaching a young girl called Leanne, then 13.  At the end of the week I was introduced to her mum, Jemma Thomas, a lady like no one I’ve ever met before. I have never been so inspired by an individual’s energy and spirit. Jemma could not have been prouder of Leanne or more supportive of her passion for dance. Jemma had been fighting ovarian cancer for 6 years.

A year later, in September 2010 I had a conversation with Jemma about students using dance as an outlet, a way of expressing oneself, of letting go and shutting everything else out, if only for a moment. Dance, not just a hobby, but a passion! What could we do for someone who  unbelievably passionate about dancing, literally lived and breathed to dance, but for some reason or another could not?..........and so the Jemma Thomas Scholarship was born.

The Jemma Thomas Scholarship is now offered annually as a 3 year programme to a secondary school student from within the local community. It is there for someone who demonstrates a passion and commitment to dance but without the scholarship would not necessarily have the means to pursue that passion.

Jemma became very involved with our first show at the Wycombe swan in 2010. Her beautiful and very talented daughter, Leanne, choreographed a section for the show using their favourite songs; many of you will remember Leannes stunning solo to songbird. We called the section ‘Kobikas Jem’ and she truly was! 

Jemma presented the first scholarship herself at KD Fusion 2010 along with an incredibly moving speech saying ‘’This scholarship is for all our young children, all the adults of tomorrow, and if, like Leanne, they can find something, an outlet in life that they love doing, then the world generally will always be a better place’’. On the 18th November, a few days after her touching words to so many, and after a 7 year battle with ovarian cancer Jemma sadly passed away. The Jemma Thomas scholarship is  now presented annually by her daughter Leanne.

Jemma was like sunshine in so many of our lives and I feel extremely privileged to have known her and to be able to offer this opportunity to a talented student in her name. The scholarship will ensure that there is a lasting legacy of an amazingly courageous, inspirational lady. Jemma will continue to touch hearts as she has touched mine and her wonderful spirit will live on through generations of talented, determined and committed youngsters.

How to donate...

Each year Kobika Dance fundraise for Jemma's chosen charity - Ovacome. Ovacome is a UK-Wide support network providing information and support for everyone affected by ovarian cancer. We most recently took part in the 'Ice bucket challenge' splitting the money raisied between AlS and Ovacome

A word from Jemma Thomas
November 2010 

It is with immense pride and a great honour to have this scholarship given in tribute to me by Kobika Dance.  No words can express how heartfelt it is to be involved in such a fantastic cause.

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, age 37 turned my world upside down.  Leanne, my only daughter was just 8 years old at the time! The journey since then has been tough; not only for me but for all those who know and love me. Yet through all the fears, the scans and the chemo we have learnt to prioritise what’s important in life; to laugh, to hug, to cry, to talk; to savour every moment.

We have grown closer as a family. Both Lee, my husband and Leanne have learnt to face fear head on alongside me whilst still remembering that, “behind every raincloud there will always be a rainbow”. We always have our cup half full and not half empty.

Leanne’s passion for dance has been her outlet over these last turbulent years and I have witnessed just how positive it has been for her to have a focus in her life, where she can fully express a range of emotions; a safe place to “act” out what she may be feeling inside.

I hope with this scholarship, other potentially gifted young dancers will have the opportunity to explore their talents, ambitions and dreams.

I am most aware that so many young people’s lives are affected in some way by the discovery of a family or friends illness and just how huge an impact this may have on their own daily lives. If this scholarship can go in some small way to make a difference for an individual’s life, then it will all be worthwhile.

I applaud Katie and Kobika Dance for making such a specific contribution in supporting young adults in the local community.