When I was a freshman in college I had an English professor who told the class the key to becoming successful in your career is to find a mentor; someone who is successful at your chosen profession, someone who inspires you, who can help guide you and teach you.   My professor knew nothing about dance but he knew about life. You can’t do it alone.  You need someone to guide you, someone who has gone down the path you are about to take and can prepare you for the potholes in the road or cheer you as you reach one of your destinations.   

You can have many mentors.  In fact, you should.  My first mentor was a senior dance major when I was a freshman.  She inspired me not only with her dancing but with her outlook on life.   She would answer my questions that I was too embarrassed to ask my professors.  She helped me navigate all the newness around me.  I learned how to be successful  in the dance program because I picked someone to guide me that was extremely successful in the program.  I was fortunate that she was also kind, gracious and giving.      

I would recommend all incoming freshman dancers to shadow a dancer who has been in the program for a while.  Ask her or him questions about classes, teachers, etiquette,  etc.  Gain as much information as you can.  Learning is not reserved just for the classroom or studio. [Read more…]