Applications for the I A.M. Arts (formerly Alanna Morris-Van Tassel Productions) Mentorship/Coaching program opens Monday, July 18 and closes Friday, August 19. This program is a one-year mentorship open to a young professional entering their junior year of high school in the fall of 2022 and graduating in the class of 2024. This program is for a self-driven, self-motivated, and focused young female dancer of color looking to pursue a career in dance. The mentee will work with I A.M. Arts Artistic Director and independent dancer-choreographer, Alanna Morris, on post-secondary school/college preparedness as well as life and business skills.
This mentorship includes research on scholarships ($$$), including support in applying for the YoungArts Award; a solo dance commission for auditions and scholarships; college essay review and editorial assistance; and letters of recommendation as needed. The mentee will have access to Alanna’s global network of dance artists, including top educators at leading educational institutions, directors, dancers and choreographers working in a multiplicity of backgrounds – companies as well as freelance – encompassing a wide range of aesthetics, and geographies.
How to apply:
- An application form with reference by an educator or dance professional – name and contact information only, no letter is required
- Resume
Cost: Zero cost. This is a $3,000 value and one-year commitment provided to the selected mentee (and their family) free of charge due to a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Rehearsal space is included in the mentorship program. The following are not included: housing, travel to and from meetings, living expenses, or relocation fees.
Location: The program consists of virtual or in-person meetings for life and career coaching as well as in-person rehearsals. All rehearsals take place in the Twin Cities. Applicants need not reside in the Twin Cities but will need to have the ability to travel. Applicants will need to be available for some evenings and/or weekends.
Time commitment: While this is an agreed-upon schedule set by Alanna and the mentee, guided by their goals, the program includes an intense rehearsal period in the beginning of the mentorship in September at approximately 6 hours/week or 30 total hours over 5 weeks to prepare for the YoungArts (and other) scholarship auditions. Rehearsals for coaching then shift to approximately 4 hours/month to the end of the school year. Meetings for goal-setting and life coaching occur weekly until January 2023, and then as often as needed throughout the school year.
Duration: Application opens July 18 and closes August 19. Those applicants selected for an interview will be notified by late August. Interviews will be held August 22-26. Final decisions will be made by September 2. Mentorship begins September 5, 2022-August 31, 2023. This is at least a one-year commitment. Though the program officially ends in August, Alanna commits to be an ongoing resource for the mentee as long as it is desired.
Please evaluate the Statement of Purpose from Alanna to gauge whether this is the right fit for your student.
Please reach out to bring Alanna to speak to your community or if you have any questions!