The program
Your Next Stage
A three-month personalized mentorship program for emerging dance artists preparing to enter the professional world.
In her own words
A two-minute overview.
Melissa walks through what the program covers, who it’s for, and what you’ll leave with.
Overview
Built to bridge the gap — and then keep going.
Whether a dancer is completing their training or beginning to audition, Your Next Stage provides individualized guidance to help them refine their artistry, strengthen their technical foundation, and navigate the professional dance world with confidence.
The program is designed not only to bridge the gap from student to professional, but to provide the practical career tools and industry insight needed to build a sustainable career. Through weekly group classes and one-on-one coaching, it covers a wide range of industry topics and builds the essential skills needed to succeed.
Every dancer receives a clear roadmap to success. We set achievable milestones, monitor progress, and make sure each dancer is fully prepared.
Structure
How the three months are shaped.
- Two weekly group online classes90 minutes each — a 45-minute lecture and discussion, a 15-minute break, then 30 minutes of exercises, questions, and prep for the week ahead.
- Two one-on-one online coaching sessions30 minutes each, built entirely around the individual dancer’s needs and goals.
- One one-on-one in-person coaching session30 minutes, during the intensive.
- Multiple guest speakersWorking professionals from a range of areas across the industry.
- In-person intensiveGroup classes, direct feedback, a mock audition, and an individualized headshot and dance-shot photo shoot.
Intensive
December 26th-December 30th 2026 / Burlington, Ontario
Together in the studio: training, in-person feedback, a full mock audition, and a professional photo shoot for headshots and dance shots.
Investment
$1300 Taxes Included
Deposit: $500. Travel and accommodation are not included for the in-studio intensive. Full payment schedule and inclusions/exclusions provided upon enrolment.
What’s included
Four areas, covered thoroughly.
01
Personalized goal mapping
- An individualized artistic vision and set of professional objectives
- Ongoing personal check-ins to track progress against them
02
Audition & performance preparation
- The tools auditions require — resume, headshots, dance shots, demo reels, motivational and cover letters
- Mock auditions that mirror the real thing
- Guidance on finding and applying to auditions
03
Industry knowledge & navigation
- Understanding company culture, expectations, and the realities of professional dance
- Introduction to a network of working professionals
04
Holistic & artistic growth
- Guidance on artistic expression
- Developing a professional mindset
- Strategies for balancing artistry, career goals, and personal well-being
Curriculum
Twenty-three sessions, across three blocks.
Sessions run Sundays and Wednesdays. This is a template schedule — dates are subject to change based on availability.
Block A · Career Vision and Industry Navigation
- Session 1 · Sun 8 NovOrientation and overview
- Session 2 · Wed 11 NovGoal setting — intentions for the program and the year ahead
- Session 3 · Sun 15 NovAfter competition — performing companies, junior companies, internships, projects, professional programs, university programs, dance teams, festivals, choreographing, teaching
- Session 4 · Wed 18 NovAll things auditions: preparation and applications — where and how to apply, writing professional emails, planning an audition tour and budgeting for it
- Session 5 · Sun 22 NovAll things auditions: the audition room and networking — audition etiquette, what directors are looking for, how to create your own opportunities
- Session 6 · Wed 25 NovCompany contracts and the financial realities of a dance career — contract types, expectations, benefits, pay structure
- Session 7 · Sun 29 NovOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 8 · Wed 2 DecOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
Block B · Professional Materials and Industry Tools
Intensive · December 26th – December 30th 2026
Training, in-person feedback, headshots and dance shots, and a mock audition.
- Session 9 · Sun 6 DecHeadshots and dance shots
- Session 10 · Wed 9 DecBiography
- Session 11 · Sun 13 DecCV and resume building
- Session 12 · Wed 16 DecCV and resume building — continued
- Session 13 · Sun 3 JanDemo reels — type of video and what to include
- Session 14 · Wed 6 JanArtistic statements, motivational letters, cover letters
- Session 15 · Sun 10 JanSocial media, online presence, personal branding
- Session 16 · Wed 13 JanGuest speaker — [to be announced]
Block C · Sustaining and Refining Your Career
- Session 17 · Sun 17 JanProfessionalism in the industry — rehearsal etiquette, working with choreographers, work ethic
- Session 18 · Wed 20 JanMental strategies — dealing with rejection, work–life balance
- Session 19 · Sun 24 JanThe importance of nutrition
- Session 20 · Wed 27 JanCross-training and injury prevention — with a guest speaker
- Session 21 · Sun 31 JanOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 22 · Wed 3 FebOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 23 · Sun 7 FebWhat’s next? — final thoughts and a review of what’s needed
How we work together
The ground rules.
This is a small group, and it works because everyone in it agrees to show up the same way.
- Have an open mind
- Have a positive attitude
- Try your best and work hard
- Show up on time
- Have intention for everything you are doing
- Support each other, don’t judge — this is a safe space for sharing thoughts
- Stay curious and ask questions
- Have fun
Questions
Before you apply.
What does the program cost?
$1300 taxes included, deposit $500. Travel and accommodation are not included for the in-studio intensive. Full payment schedule and inclusions/exclusions provided upon enrolment.
Where does the in-person intensive take place?
Location will be in Burlington, Ontario. Exact details will determined shortly. Travel and accommodation are not included in the price.
How many dancers are accepted?
Small cohort sizes to maximize personalized guidance (10-12 dancers).
When do applications close?
Applications are open until all spots are filled. Enrolment is first come, first served.
What if I can’t make a session?
If you’re unable to attend a session, notes will be provided to help you stay up to date. However, attendance is strongly encouraged, as the live sessions are an important part of the learning and coaching experience.
What time zone are the online classes in?
All sessions will be held in Eastern Time (ET).
Fall 2026 cohort
Let’s get started on your journey.
Tell me where you are in your training and what you’re working toward.