MENTORING PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICES

​Mentoring students means learning about students’ goals through goal-setting, and offering guidance and support as they pursue their goals. Mentoring student choreographic processes includes listening and brainstorming during the initial research phase, visiting rehearsals and offering feedback. Mentoring student teachers includes offering resources, discussing questions, observing them teach and offering feedback. Mentoring dancers entering professional careers can look like guiding students through audition and application processes for university programs and professional companies. The common denominator in mentoring is listening and offering support as well as honest constructive feedback. It’s also important to celebrate successes and honor disappointments of mentees.

As a mentor, my job is to maintain an open and professional line of communication, pose questions to foster critical thinking, offer constructive feedback, and create a positive and supportive environment for students.