The Rockbridge Ballet recently announced that Libby Pearson and Ava Perdew are the 2025 T. David Grist Merit Scholarship recipients.
The scholarship is awarded annually to two high school juniors or seniors who show dedication to both their academics and their community through involvement with The Rockbridge Ballet. The gift memorializes T. David Grist, echoing his commitment as a community leader and avid patron of the arts.
Libby Pearson, daughter of Laura and John Pearson, is a senior at Rockbridge County High School. She has been dancing and performing since she was a young child and started taking classes at The Studio at age 4, where she fell in love with dance. Since joining the Ballet, she has been featured as Flotsam the Eel in “The Little Mermaid,” The Bird Princess in “Snow White’s Holiday Celebration,” Mrs. Potts in “Beauty & the Beast,” and will be performing the role of The Dew Drop soloist in the upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.” Outside of dance, Pearson is actively involved in the National Honor Society, Student Council Association, and serves as president of Project Connection.
“Dance can mean many things such as moving, performing, and celebrating but to me, dance represents safety and the chance for me to express myself in ways other than words,” she said. “I have found through dance that no one is the exact same and no one should feel the pressure of having to be someone they aren’t. I am forever grateful for this art and the community that The Rockbridge Ballet has provided me with for almost 14 years.”
Ava Perdew, daughter of Jennifer and Brad Perdew, is a homeschooled high school senior. She began dancing at age 3, beginning her training at The Staunton Academy of Ballet before joining The Rockbridge Ballet in 2021. During her tenure with the Ballet, Perdew has performed as Flounder in “The Little Mermaid,” Snow White in “Snow White’s Holiday Celebration,” Lumiere in “Beauty & the Beast,” and will be featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Rockbridge Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” in December. Perdew has been accepted into the prestigious Ballet Magnificat Student Dance Intensive summer program for the past three summers. She also maintains a part-time job and loves to spend time with her friends and family.
Perdew writes, “One misconception I have held about dance is that it holds the same purpose for everyone. Believing this not only puts dance in a box, but limits a dancer’s own abilities. The purpose of dance is not objective. Dance can be an escape, a release, or a renewal. Dance can be an expression of joy, grief, pain, or longing. Additionally, I have recently been learning more about how dance brings people together. It is so incredibly beautiful to me when people from all different backgrounds and cultures can come together and unite over their love of dance.”
“Libby and Ava exemplify the mission of our organization and honor David’s legacy, and we are so proud to recognize them with this scholarship,” said artistic director Evelyn Branscome. “They are both impressive role models and talented dancers, and we are incredibly honored that they choose to dedicate so much time and energy to our company.”
The Rockbridge Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” will take place Dec. 12-14 at the Lenfest Center for the Arts at Washington amd Lee University.
PEARSON
PERDEW
