Each week following an artist's post, reflection questions and research ideas will get posted. These are aimed towards college level courses (senior seminar, composition, dance education, and more), but of course anyone can read the postscript and find thought-provoking questions and activities.

Read and discuss – Now and Next Dance Mentoring Project

Spend some time on Ashley's website for her mentoring project. Talk about all of the groups involved - professional artists, college students, and youth. What does each group provide within this project? Talk about how each group gives, and how each group learns. What multigenerational opportunities do you have in your life right now?

 

Further discussion – "non-profit" versus "for profit"

Ashley mentioned that her organization is becoming an offical 501(c)3 organization. What does this mean? Discuss as a group the pros and cons of being a for profit versus non-profit organization. Consider if you had a dance studio, dance company, or festival. 

 

Research – dance in the Washington, DC Area

Curious about this area of the US? Spend 15-30 minutes on the internet. Where can you take professional level modern classes? Where can you perform and show your work? What arts organizations hire dance teaching artists? Consider Dance/USA and its national office in the DC Area, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and more.

 

Reflect – finances

In Ashley's artist profile, she mentioned finances and started to save. As you start out on your own, who can give you some financial advice (family, friends, mentors)? What are your monthly expenses? Can you create a basic budget on an Excel spreadsheet of income and expenses? Consider that post-college you will have to pay for dance classes, yoga classes, a gym membership, etc. Consider using the free website mint.com to manage your finances as well.

 

Read up – PhD programs in dance

There are few PhD programs in the field of dance. Ashley completed hers at Ohio State. Read a little about this particular program. Discuss why students pursue a PhD versus an MFA. Dance Studio Life Magazine published an article on this very topic.