APPLICATIONS OPEN TODAY (25 JANUARY) FOR ONE DANCE UK’S 2017 MENTORING PROGRAMMES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DANCERS’ CAREER DEVELOPMENT.
Three exciting professional development opportunities available for dancers, dance teachers, choreographers and dance researchers identified as future industry leaders.
One Dance UK, supported by Arts Council England and in partnership with Dancers’ Career Development, is inviting applications for its 2017 mentoring programmes. These much sought-after programmes are offered to dance artists and practitioners in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who have been identified as future industry leaders. Successful applicants are matched up with mentors who are drawn from among some of the dance sector’s most prominent figures. The programmes are designed to identify and hone mentees’ skills and develop their leadership potential.
Past mentee and Trailblazer, Independent Artist and Choreographer Mbulelo Ndabeni says: “I have gained confidence in my creativity, my work and most importantly the business structure of my company…. I have also gained confidence in being able to be a leader of my own vision, my own company and the collaborators I work with. I believe anything can happen and what I desire is possible.”
Dancers’ Mentoring Programme:
Established in 2007, One Dance UK’s Dancers’ Mentoring Programme in partnership with Dancers’ Career Development, offers dance artists each year the opportunity of preparing for a career beyond performing, closely aligned with Dancers’ Career Development’s programme of transition support services for dancers. Dancers will benefit from the wisdom, experience and industry insights of a mentor. Applicants, nominated by their peers, must either be independent dance artists who hold One Dance UK membership, or be dancers working as part of a One Dance UK member company and, in addition, have had at least eight years professional dancing experience. Each successful applicant will receive a bursary to cover travel and other necessary expenses.
The deadline for receipt of Dancers’ Mentoring applications is 12 noon on 20 February 2017. More details on this programme and the nomination and application process can be found here: http://www.onedanceuk.org/careers/professional-development/mentoring/dancers-mentoring/
Dance Teaching Mentoring Programme:
Since its establishment in 2013, more than 60 dance teachers have benefitted from this popular programme. It is aimed at dance teachers with at least 5 years professional dance teaching experience, working in schools (primary or secondary), Higher Education establishments, community, settings, vocational training, private dance school settings (who are qualified through recognised awarding bodies) or freelance artists who teach as part of their ‘portfolio’ career. A career-enhancing programme, the Dance Teaching Mentoring Programme is designed to develop leadership potential, expand teachers’ industry knowledge and network of contacts under the guidance of an established industry figure. In addition, each successful applicant will receive a bursary to cover travel and other necessary expenses. One Dance UK will also work with applicants to provide a mutually fruitful association with a suitable dance organisation.
The deadline for receipt of Dance Teaching Mentoring applications is 12 noon on 20 February 2017. More details on this programme and the application process can be found here: http://www.onedanceuk.org/careers/professional-development/mentoring/dance-teaching-mentoring/
Trailblazers ‘Starters’ Fellowship Programme:
Since its foundation in 2003, the Trailblazers Fellowship Programme – in two distinct strands: Starters (for first-time applicants) and Champions (for previous Trailblazers Starters) – has supported well over 30 UK- based artists and practitioners working in the field of Dance of the African Diaspora, with a structured development programme aimed at enhancing skills in leadership, management, entrepreneurship and creativity. Trailblazer Starters is open to those demonstrating substantial engagement in Dance of the African Diaspora as a dancer, choreographer, teacher or researcher who also demonstrate strong leadership, organisational or management skills. Previous Trailblazers have gone on to set up their own companies, work in educational or community settings and contribute to re-search in the field of Dance of the African Diaspora in the UK.
Successful applicants will receive a bursary towards the cost of training and/or a project of their choice, together with life coaching and mentoring from an influential professional. A final sharing of work is presented at a public event and an action plan created for the Fellow’s future development.
The deadline for receipt of Trailblazers Starters applications is 5pm on 31 March 2017. More information on this programme and the application process can be found here: http://www.onedanceuk.org/careers/professional-development/mentoring/trailblazers-fellowship/
Jennifer Curry, Executive Director of Dancers’ Career Development comments:
“Dancers’ Career Development is pleased to be working in partnership with One Dance UK on the 2017 Mentoring Programmes. The demand for these programmes is reflected in the great many applications received each year. The mentoring programmes for dancers in particular offer a key opportunity for dancers identified as future leaders to be supported and guided on their career journey beyond performing”
Andrew Hurst, Chief Executive of One Dance UK adds:
‘As a professional dancer, I was very fortunate to have taken part in the pilot of the dancers’ mentoring programme in 2007. The experience dramatically altered my perspective on what the possibilities might be for a professional career beyond performance. The programme gave me inspiration to believe in new goals and gave me the tools to focus on and develop skills and acquire new ones – in order to realise that dream’.
