What you should expect

What You Should Expect Building the Artist is our dedicated dance mentorship program for ballerinas and danseurs ages 13 and up. Through personalized one-on-one sessions, we’ll focus on more than just your dancing. The goal is to help you begin thinking and moving through the dance world with the awareness, confidence, and professionalism needed to build a sustainable career. Together, we’ll explore: *Your approach to training: Understanding how you learn, how you work, and how to become more proactive in the studio. We’ll look at how to set realistic goals, respond to challenges, and take ownership of your development as an artist. Communication & professionalism: Learning how to communicate effectively with teachers, directors, coaches, choreographers, and peers. We’ll discuss how to ask questions, receive and apply feedback, introduce yourself, advocate for yourself, and navigate professional relationships with confidence and respect. Dance history & education: Developing a deeper understanding of ballet and the history of the art form, including the companies, choreographers, artists, traditions, and changing landscape that have shaped the profession. Knowing where you come from can help you better understand where you want to go. Class etiquette & studio awareness: Understanding the expectations that come with being a student, trainee, apprentice, or professional dancer. We’ll talk about preparation, punctuality, respect, awareness of the room, how to conduct yourself in class, and the small details that contribute to a strong professional impression. Decision-making for your future: Learning how to thoughtfully evaluate opportunities, training environments, schools, summer programs, auditions, and potential career paths. Rather than simply following the next opportunity, we’ll work on understanding what aligns with your goals, your development, and the artist you want to become. Building your professional identity: Beginning to understand what makes you unique as a dancer and how to communicate that through your résumé, photos, footage, auditions, and interactions with the professional world. The transition from student to professional doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through the choices you make, the way you approach your training, and the awareness you develop along the way. It’s never too early to begin developing your voice as an artist. I look forward to working with you!