RANDA BARETT
Becoming a Professional Dancer & Preparing for the Industry
Mentorship Program
A dance program that isn’t on your feet
When I first moved to Vancouver to pursue dance, I was bright-eyed and eager to succeed, but didn’t know what I lacked at the time. I remember going to my first audition in Vancouver without a headshot or resume, not even knowing what was expected of me, and getting absolutely ripped apart by the Choreographer. I had started to pursue dancing later than other people and always felt behind; feeling like an underdog and having to teach myself a lot. Since moving to Vancouver 15 years ago, which includes 5 years of working abroad and living in LA, with many trials and many errors under my belt, I learned what it takes to build a solid career in this industry. There are so many things to learn outside of physically dancing, training, rehearsing, and working; and there is a lot of responsibility that comes with the territory.
Understanding your responsibilities, auditioning, on-set & rehearsal etiquette, how to stay on top of your taxes, learning all of the roles in the industry to navigate your short term and long term strategies are key if you are looking for success in this industry.
We will focus and discuss the simple tips and tricks on how to present yourself that will go a long way in building your professional reputation.
It has always been important to me to be an artist that is successful not only in my craft, but in a practical, well-rounded way of living in the world. My hope is that you can learn from my own mistakes and triumphs, that you can make informed choices with the least amount of blind spots. My intention for you is to walk away from the weekend with practical, real industry knowledge, a personal sense of empowerment and a confidence in all realms of what it takes to be a working, sought-after Dance Professional.
Here’s an example of what to expect
Developing an understanding for all the important professional tools such as:
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How to write an eye-catching resume
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Cover letters- what are they and why are they important
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How to prepare for professional headshots and photoshoots
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How to connect with local agencies with your best foot forward
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Email communication vs texting
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Fostering long lasting working relationships
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O1 Visa's - How applying works and what you need to know
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Film,/Television & Cruise Ships/Live Shows
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Self Care - discussing mental health and tools on how to help keep your mind healthy
Saturday September 28th
9:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday September 29th
9:00am - 1:00pm
Round 7 - Fall 2024
This program runs 3x per year. Spring, Fall & Winter.
Cost: $250.00
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Meeting: I want to get to know each person individually and see how I can best assist you and your goals
Day 1: Resumes, Cover Letters, Demo Reels, Headshots, Agencies/Agents, Auditions, Self-tapes
Day 2 Industry Talk, Film/Television, O-1 Visa’s, Cruise Ships, Taxes, Social Media/Branding, Self-Care
At the end of the weekend, I encourage everyone to send me their resume, headshots & demo reel. I will give individual feedback, advice and guidance on your materials.
Space is limited. Having access to a laptop is a requirement for this program.
I look forward to connecting with each of you!
Round 4
Trista Davis
I have never left something feeling so inspired, motivated and excited to keep pursuing dance. You gave us answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. Thank you for creating such a great program and being such a wonderful, real human.
Round 4
Sarah Strilchuk
Your mentorship was exactly what I needed to let me know that I was on the right path and to help me believe in myself and my dance journey. I truly feel so grateful and inspired to continue to strive for what I want and give myself that reality check of what I can do now to get me closer to my goals.
Round 3
Haleigh Feduniak
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming when we have all of our goals or things we have to do, and this weekend was a great reassurance of how to manageably reach our goals!
Round 3
Kiya Gardner
Everything you had to say was compelling, insightful and completely relevant for all young dancers starting out in the industry.
Round 3
Justice Walker
I wanted to say thank you for your openness and the way you shared so graciously with all of us during the course. I'm really looking forward continuing to take a deeper dive into building a career and building ourselves as humans.
Round 3
Waverly Spratt
I wanted to thank you for such an incredible weekend full of invaluable knowledge, guidance, information, and inspiration. My mind has been racing in the best way possible, and I feel a newfound motivation to chase after my goals.
Round 2
Kendra Hamlin
To say this program has been fulfilling would be an understatement. Randa has done such an incredible job at creating a personalized, educational, and inspiring program. I feel so motivated to put myself out there and fight for what I truly love.
Round 2
Lauren Hope
I want to thank you for making these big goals of mine feel achievable and attainable, opening my mind to what can be achieved, as well as setting an example to keeping the mindset in check, to not rush into things too fast, and to celebrate the little victories.
Round 2
Amelia Prior
I find that I was starting to get into that “feeling stuck” mentality and this mentorship has really allowed me to re evaluate where I’m at right now, be proud of myself for how far I’ve come and understand that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.
Round 2
Haley Butt
You’re raw, and genuine, and it makes you stand out from any other instructor or coach I’ve ever had.
Round 2
Hanna Robitaille
This industry can sometimes be very black and white in terms of what it is about or what it takes to succeed, but something I truly valued about learning from you is how real and genuine you were about these topics.
Round 2
Mackenzie Smart
Truly such an inspiring and valuable weekend! My goals now feel a lot more manageable to achieve and I have a clearer picture of what the next steps of my dance journey are thanks to these sessions. Randa is one the most genuine and caring individuals you will meet, and I could not recommend her mentorship enough if you're looking for guidance and preparation within the industry!
Round 5
Emma Corcoran
You gave out so much insightful information and definitely made the industry feel more attainable and less scary, which is all I could ask for from a mentor. I appreciate your genuine approach and willingness to help wherever you can so much!
Round 5
Milissa Roessler
I’m feeling so inspired after last weekend and now feel so determined to put in the work and get things done that I have been putting off for so long.
Round 4
Aaliyah Rae
I want to say thank you for all the info you have given us this weekend. I’ve been in a bit of a weird relationship with dance recently, but after this weekend it really solidified that I want to pursue dance. I learned so much and I really admire how caring and open you are with us
Round 4
Juliana Bergstrom
The chatter in Vancouver about the industry made it seem like an impossible feat and there was no one like you sharing how to break down the steps to make it happen. So thank you. For the intel, the tools, the inspiration, and the offer of ongoing support.
Round 2
Carmen Gans
Before this weekend, I was struggling to find my footing to get back into this community and lifestyle after taking those 2 years off for school where I felt so lost. I feel so connected to myself and my community again and it makes me feel at home. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Round 2
Grace Stuve
When it comes to goals/dreams I have wanted for so long my patience isn't the best. However something you said, or the way you said it, made me finally be ok with it all not happening right now. Of course the grind and hustle will never stop for me but finally feeling and being ok with it taking time but it WILL happen.
Round 1
Emma Geddert
The passion you have for this industry has made me so excited to continue my journey with it and I feel much more capable of my goals even after 2 days with you.
Round 1
Aidan Muth
This weekend was absolutely what I needed to point me in the right direction of where I want to go and painted a clear picture as to what I want to see for myself. So thank you for sharing your stories, passion, and love for dance with us.
Round 1
Kiara Mcilravey
I can say with complete honesty that I left your mentorship feeling far more confident in myself and the stage I'm at in my career. I just wanted to say a huge thank you again as your mentorship really gave me some clarity and a foundation to go off of for this year.
Round 1
Breyanna Oldham
The sessions left me so excited and so inspired to hustle harder and really work on my long and short term goals with dance but also within life. The workshop has opened my mind up in so many ways and has brought in many different perspectives that I am excited to explore.
Round 1
Alyssa Del Degan
This weekend was one for the books. The insight, knowledge, and lessons learned from a short time frame was everything I needed. Randa welcomes everyone with a warm heart, willing to give the direction needed to kick off anyones journey. She inspires you through her own journey, sharing all of her lessons learnt as an industry professional. If you're looking for guidance with genuine and purposeful intentions, I highly suggest taking part in Randa's Mentorship Program.
Ella Turner
Round 1
One of the most educational programs that I have attended. It was so insightful and eye opening to hear about the things you've experienced first hand and the do's and don'ts of the industry.
Round 1
Paul Kee
This program changed the trajectory of my life. I have found so many of the missing pieces that I need, not only for my career but in my life, and learned to understand that what is meant for me will not pass me by.
Round 1
Madison Foley
I left feeling motivated and inspired to get work done, to finish those little things I needed to finish and to overall just enjoy this process. You just reassured me that everything will be alright eventually, and how trusting the universe (and your gut) will take you a long way.