DANZ Mentoring programme for professional development in the NZ dance industry

DANZ MENTORING PROGRAMME

DANZ manages a small mentoring programme. The aim of the mentoring programme is to support professional development and strengthening of dance groups, collectives or key individuals across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The focus of DANZ mentoring is

To encourage maturing of dance work and sustainability

The programme supports dance groups seeking a more long term artistic vision and approach. Maturing of work requires time, reworking and multiple performances. Sustainability requires a vision and planning. The use of an experienced choreographic or producing 'outside eye' or mentor can be a key factor in this development as can a sound long term plan or vision.

The mentoring projects are flexible and diverse – they could be for the strategic development of the group or mentoring towards producing a dance season, product, project or performance. Mentoring could cover such areas as

media and publicity
production
business and strategic planning
artistic development and improvement of a performance piece.

The mentoring can relate to a specific project being worked on so that learning is practical.

DANZ Mentoring is funded by Creative New Zealand.

further information on DANZ Mentoring can be obtained from danz@danz.org.nz or phone (04) 801 9885.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is when a professional in a particular area of arts/dance production or business/financial/legal expertise gives their professional advice, over a designated time, to the dance company/group or, in some cases, individual in order that they develop skills or clarity and direction in what they are trying to achieve. Mentoring may sometimes be close to coaching and advising, but it may also be a situation where the mentee is encouraged to expand their thinking and approach to their work.

The secret to successful mentoring is the synergy between the mentor and mentee. This relationship must be relaxed, open, positive, supportive and respectful. For the project to be successful this relationship is as important as the knowledge being taught.

How to apply

To receive mentoring you must be a DANZ member.

You can apply for mentoring at any time by writing a short proposal (no more than one page), describing:

the project
the type of mentoring requested and why
suggested mentors if they are known and why they would be the ideal person for the project. DANZ can also offer advice on mentors.
full contact details for yourself and the mentor.

Proposals should be emailed to danz@danz.org.nz (with DANZ Mentoring Programme in the subject line)

or posted to DANZ Mentoring Programme, PO Box 9885, Wellington 6141

other mentoring resources

Mentoring, Help when you need it (PDF) - publication of NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations

Coaching and mentoring brochure (PDF) - New Zealand Mentoring Centre

Feedback on

DANZ mentoring:

"My mentor was a huge asset to my project. Her support and insightful questioning made for an enjoyable process and a challenging but successful performance. Thank you to DANZ Mentoring program and to my mentor."

“Mentoring presents each of us with the awesome opportunity and responsibility of making a difference in one’s heart and thus their life and broadening perspectives about dance, its role and potential in the world”

Tarin Chaplin
DANZ guest mentor
July 2007.

"I think mentoring is invaluable. It’s so often in NZ that as a choreographer you feel like you’re all alone in the big wide world. Mentoring provides essential support to an area of your work that requires a more thorough investigation. I look forward to my ongoing relationship with my mentor and DANZ."