The National Dance Education Organization's New Professionals In Action Program is a mentorship program that pairs seasoned dance professionals with new dance educators and professionals so that experience and knowledge may be shared and new ideas cultivated. We expect this to reap many wonderful rewards for both mentor and student.

The NDEO recognizes how important guidance is for a new dance educator while seeking to define a place in the professional community. Most importantly, NDEO recognizes the value gained by providing opportunities for new professionals to converse on a one-on-one basis with experienced professionals so they may seek information, and expertise about special areas of interest, association functions and programs, publications, conferences, and events as well as a broader horizon for artistic expression.

The New Professionals In Action Program mentoring relationship may be developed in many directions, but some areas of expressed need include:

• Short and long term goal planning
• Portfolio, resume or vitae development
• Advice on graduate schools or courses
• Selection of summer semester courses or projects
• Research projects
• Choreography
• Teaching

The frequency of contact and duration of the relationship is, of course, unique to individual needs, but we recommend consistent regular correspondence or meetings. Both parties should outline and discuss expectations and needs. Weekly email or phone contact should be established. We hope mentor and mentee could also meet at the NDEO annual conference.

The New Professionals in Action Program will contribute to the growth and development of our future dance educators. It will help the National Dance Education Organization improve the quality of dance education nationwide and ensure a bright future for the field.