Launched in 2020, the Peer Mentorship Program pairs recent alumni with current Young Professionals in monthly 1-on-1 mentorship sessions that aim to personally identify our dancers strengths and challenges; discover and nurture aspirations, and guide their artistic goals. At MOVE|NYC|, we believe leadership development is critical in order for emerging artistic leaders to RISE in the dance field.

The Peer Mentorship Program is offered for free to our Young Professionals and is a paid initiative for participating alumni. We are grateful to our Peer Mentors for their leadership and for paying it forward to the next generation of MOVErs.

As a 2nd year Peer Mentor, I truly cherished the opportunity I had last year to give back to the community that has given me so much! It was such an honor to be able to support the next generation of the dance field, and to connect with the current young professionals who are learning and growing in a place that I like to call HOME.

For this upcoming year, I am looking forward to meeting new faces and seeing even more growth, of which I can’t wait to aid and support!

- Blue Furutate

2023-24 PEER MENTOR COHORT

I started last year as a Peer Mentor with this incredible program. My journey as a Peer Mentor has been a humbling and inspiring experience. As a Young Professionals Program alumni, I was once in their shoes! Being on the opposite end of the spectrum has been truly eye-opening. I was able to bring my life adventures and realizations to the table as a way to engage in conversations around personal, artistic, and emotional matters.

I am looking forward to continue making connections with these young dancers while serving as a role model and an outlet for guidance and support. I have watched the growth of my previous mentees over the course of a year and I am excited to meet new faces and go on this beautiful journey with them as they learn and blossom.

- Polina Mankova