Pointeworks Summer 2026 Mentorship Program
Step Inside a Professional Ballet Company
The Pointeworks Summer 2026 Mentorship Program is a fully funded, immersive opportunity for pre-professional dancers to experience the inner workings of a professional ballet company in San Diego.
As part of our Summer 2026 season, Pointeworks will invite 10 selected dancers to participate free of charge across two one-week cohorts. Designed to bridge the gap between training and a professional career, this program offers young dancers direct access to company class, rehearsals, repertory, mentorship, and performance.
Program Dates: June 1-13, 2026
Location: San Diego, California
Participants: 10 dancers total (5 per week)
What the Program Includes
Company Class
Selected mentees will join Pointeworks artists for company class 3–4 days per week, gaining first-hand experience in a professional rehearsal environment.
Repertory Workshops
Participants will learn Pointeworks repertory directly from commissioned choreographers and artists, with exposure to both classical and contemporary material.
Rehearsal Observation
Mentees will observe the creation and rehearsal process of new works being developed for Pointeworks’ Summer 2026 season.
Professional Development
Participants will receive guidance on:
resume preparation
audition readiness
navigating the transition from training to professional life
Mentorship sessions will include time with:
Sophie Williams, Artistic Director
Sofiane Sylve, Rehearsal Director
individual Pointeworks company artists
Performance Experience
Each mentee will receive:
1 complimentary orchestra ticket to a Pointeworks performance
a backstage tour
a post-show conversation with Pointeworks artists
Application Information
Applications for the Pointeworks Summer 2026 Mentorship Program are now open.
Deadline April 30, 2026
The application will include:
dance video submission
headshot
resume
short written responses
Why This Program Matters
For many young dancers, there is a significant gap between high-level training and the realities of professional company life. Pointeworks created this program to offer a first, positive, and meaningful entry point into that world.
The Summer Mentorship Program helps young dancers:
build confidence in a professional setting
better understand the audition and rehearsal process
access mentorship from working artists
gain tools and materials that support the next phase of their career
This initiative is central to Pointeworks’ mission of expanding access, mentorship, and career sustainability in the arts.
Who Should Apply
The Pointeworks Summer Mentorship Program is designed for pre-professional dancers who are preparing for the transition into professional training programs, summer intensives, auditions, and company life.
We welcome applicants who are eager to learn, curious about new work, and excited to engage with artists in a focused and supportive environment.
Program History
Pointeworks launched its mentorship initiative in Summer 2025 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
In its first year, Pointeworks invited 10 mentees to:
take company class
observe rehearsals and performances
attend the performance free of charge
participate in a backstage tour
Pointeworks also extended complimentary tickets to parents, making the experience more accessible for families and helping welcome new audiences into the ballet community.
Summer 2026 marks the second year of the program and expands its structure and resources as part of the company’s growing youth engagement efforts.
Youth Access at Pointeworks
The mentorship program is one of several ways Pointeworks engages young audiences and emerging dancers.
Additional 2026 youth initiatives include:
Complimentary tickets for the UCSD Student Mental Health & Wellness Committee, across students in the San Diego Union High School District, and distributed across San Diego community colleges
ongoing discounted student tickets for performances
pay-what-you-can open rehearsals throughout the season
Together, these programs reduce financial barriers and create meaningful entry points into the performing arts.
Contact
For questions about the Pointeworks Summer 2026 Mentorship Program, please contact:
AvaRose Dillon
Outreach Coordinator, Pointeworks
adillon@pointeworks.org
Support the Program
Pointeworks is committed to keeping this program completely free for participating dancers.
Support for this initiative helps us provide:
studio time
artist mentorship
free performance tickets
professional audition photos
access to real-world career development opportunities
