‘Being a member of DG Dance Mentorship programme has been a brilliant and fun experience. It has been challenging, especially with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I applied to learn more about facilitating dance classes and choreography as well as to improve my dance technique. The programme not only helped with this, but it helped me work as a team to create art and to inspire myself and others to dance, and that is magical.’
- Blair Flucker, Dance Advocate 2021

What is the Dance Mentorship Programme?

Our Dance Mentorship is a paid development programme (£75, for four hours activity per week) made up of local people aged 18-25 who are interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. The programme explores progression routes into the arts sector, helping young creatives to advance into further training or pursue their own creative work. Those involved are called Dance Advocates, reflecting the important role they play in championing dance in the region.

What’s involved

As part of the programme you are introduced to Cultured Mongrel’s way of working and dance style, receiving weekly technical class and mentoring with professional dance facilitators. You will also collaborate creatively with these artists to design the programme for the Youth Dance Company, building up to leading sessions using the skills developed in the programme.

Participants receive one to one mentoring to support them to develop their artistic interests and explore other careers in the arts sector - such as dance photography, writing about dance, choreography or events management.  The programme will be tailored to their individual needs and evolve in response to the group.

We call those involved in the Mentorship programme Dance Advocates. This is because they are instrumental in the administrative and production tasks associated with running the Youth Dance Company; including developing social media strategies, audience development and finding places to showcase any performance material we make.

‘Something that has surprised me about this programme has been how freeing the both the class and mentoring environment is which has helped to improve my confidence. I have enjoyed the invitation to take ownership of my opinions as well as the regular reminders that they are valid. The environment that has been created is absolutely lovely and I have enjoyed every minute so far.’

- Catherine Townsend-Sawley, Dance Advocate 2021

-

Current Dance Advocates

Blair Flucker
Catherine Townsend-Sawley
Rachel Barr

How to become a Dance Advocate

If you are interested in taking part in our Dance Mentorship programme please send a short statement (max 1 page A4) explaining why you would like to be included in this programme and what you feel you would gain out of the experience.  We welcome proposals in formats/languages such as BSL, Braille, sound or video recording, or transcribed by phone.

Applications are currently accepted on a rolling basis and we are particularly interested to hear from applicants in the West of the region, or those who live in rural areas.

If you would like to apply or have any questions, please send them to contact@dumfriesandgallway.dance