The program
Your Next Stage
A three-month personalized mentorship program for emerging dance artists preparing to enter the professional world.
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 week.
- Multiple guest speakersWorking professionals from a range of areas across the industry.
- One week in-person intensiveGroup classes, direct feedback, a mock audition, and an individualized headshot and dance-shot photo shoot.
Intensive week
Monday 12 – Sunday 18 October 2026
One week together in the studio: training, in-person feedback, a full mock audition, and a professional photo shoot for headshots and dance shots.
[Location to be confirmed — this determines who can realistically apply.]
Investment
[Program fee — to be confirmed]
[Deposit, payment schedule, and what is / isn’t included — e.g. travel and accommodation for the intensive week.]
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 13 SeptOrientation and overview
- Session 2 · Wed 16 SeptGoal setting — intentions for the program and the year ahead
- Session 3 · Sun 20 SeptAfter competition — performing companies, junior companies, internships, projects, professional programs, university programs, dance teams, festivals, choreographing, teaching
- Session 4 · Wed 23 SeptAll things auditions: preparation and applications — where and how to apply, writing professional emails, planning an audition tour and budgeting for it
- Session 5 · Sun 27 SeptAll things auditions: the audition room and networking — audition etiquette, what directors are looking for, how to create your own opportunities
- Session 6 · Wed 30 SeptCompany contracts and the financial realities of a dance career — contract types, expectations, benefits, pay structure
- Session 7 · Sun 4 OctOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 8 · Wed 7 OctOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
Block B · Professional Materials and Industry Tools
Intensive week · Mon 12 – Sun 18 October
Training, in-person feedback, headshots and dance shots, and a mock audition.
- Session 9 · Wed 21 OctHeadshots and dance shots
- Session 10 · Sun 25 OctBiography
- Session 11 · Wed 28 OctCV and resume building
- Session 12 · Sun 1 NovCV and resume building — continued
- Session 13 · Wed 4 NovDemo reels — type of video and what to include
- Session 14 · Sun 8 NovArtistic statements, motivational letters, cover letters
- Session 15 · Wed 11 NovSocial media, online presence, personal branding
- Session 16 · Sun 15 NovGuest speaker — [to be announced]
Block C · Sustaining and Refining Your Career
- Session 17 · Wed 18 NovProfessionalism in the industry — rehearsal etiquette, working with choreographers, work ethic
- Session 18 · Sun 22 NovMental strategies — dealing with rejection, work–life balance
- Session 19 · Wed 25 NovThe importance of nutrition
- Session 20 · Sun 29 NovCross-training and injury prevention — with a guest speaker
- Session 21 · Wed 2 DecOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 22 · Sun 6 DecOne-on-one sessions — 30 minutes each
- Session 23 · Wed 9 DecWhat’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?
[Program fee, deposit amount, and payment schedule. Note whether travel and accommodation for the intensive week are included.]
Where does the in-person intensive take place?
[City and studio for the 12–18 October intensive week, plus any guidance on travel and accommodation.]
How many dancers are accepted?
[Cohort size, and how places are decided.]
When do applications close?
[Application deadline and what applicants need to send — video, resume, references.]
What if I can’t make a session?
[Whether sessions are recorded, and the attendance expectation.]
What time zone are the online classes in?
[Session times and time zone — worth stating clearly, since Melissa is based in Germany and applicants may be in North America.]
Fall 2026 cohort
Let’s get started on your journey.
Tell me where you are in your training and what you’re working toward.