After Draper: Preparing Our Dancers For What’s Next
By Jamey Leverett
At the Draper Center for Dance Education, we are committed not only to nurturing dancers in the studio but also to helping them navigate the next steps in their dance journeys. Recently, our members of our Professional Training Program participated in After Draper, a two-hour seminar designed to prepare dancers for life beyond graduation.
The session featured a panel of distinguished guest speakers who shared invaluable insights on second companies, college dance programs, certificate options, and alternative ways to stay deeply involved in dance at a high level.
Guest Speakers Highlighted the Path Forward
- Jill Marlow Krutzkamp, Artistic Director of Sacramento Ballet II, shared her perspective on second company life, including what dancers can expect, what companies look for, and how to approach the audition process. Jill, who attended Indiana University, also had a stellar professional career performing with Cincinnati Ballet and Kansas City Ballet.
- Joe Davis, a Juilliard graduate who now runs his own dance company and serves on faculty at the California Institute of the Arts, spoke about the college audition process, helping dancers understand what to look for when selecting a dance program.
- Brittany Shinay, currently on faculty at ABT’s JKO School, shared her experiences navigating both professional and academic dance pathways, highlighting certificate programs and opportunities to stay engaged in dance at a high level while pursuing other studies.
Parent Perspectives Added Real-World Insights
We were also grateful to have parent speakers Jill Wynn and Caren Gellin, who shared their experiences supporting their dancers through auditions and applications.Their insight added an important perspective for dancers considering their next academic and artistic steps.
Additionally, Nina DeVivo-Schaffer, a Draper parent and university admissions professional, offered expert guidance on navigating the college application process.
Inspiring the Next Steps
After Draper provided students with tools, inspiration, and confidence as they begin to envision their futures beyond Draper—whether on stage, in college, or pursuing other professional opportunities in the world of dance.
Events like this are part of our ongoing commitment to preparing dancers not just for today’s class or performance, but for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
