The I A.M. Arts Mentorship/Coaching Program offers a one-year mentorship to a pre-professional *female dancer of color to support their transition into the dance world. It includes scholarship research, a dance solo commission, college essay review and editorial assistance, letters of recommendation—plus access to Alanna’s global network. Free to the family through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.
This mentorship includes research on scholarships; 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.
To apply:
-An application form, including a reference by an educator or dance professional. (Name and contact information only, no letter is required.)
-Resume
Cost: Zero cost. A $3,000 value, this is a 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 is 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 on-going resource for the mentee as long as it is desired.