We created JUMPSTART/LA to fill the gaps that traditional university programs often miss—career-building, entrepreneurship, and the real-life skills needed to thrive as a working artist. We’re on a mission to replace the (outdated & problematic) "starving artist" mindset with a new reality: dancers as entrepreneurs, shaping their own futures. LA is full of opportunities, and we’re here to help you tap into them—whether it’s through understanding key institutions, navigating job markets, or developing the business skills that will sustain your career. JUMPSTART/LA isn’t only a program; it’s a launchpad for dancers ready to build lasting, fulfilling careers in the industry.

Our goal is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the vast, ever-changing career opportunities in the LA dance ecosystem. Whether you already have clear goals for your career or are actively seeking new possibilities, our faculty will help you refine, hone, and/or reshape your vision. We invite you to embrace this transformative program with an open heart and mind, as our LA dance field offers many pathways to explore. (p.s. you can change your mind at any time!) All of our faculty have held multiple different kinds of jobs, so you’ll be hearing from professionals with experience in: Career planning and quarterly goal setting tools Choreographing Cruise ship jobs Event entertainment jobs Financial stability and budgeting Grant writing How to "get presented" and what that means! How to prepare for and behave on set Marketing - social media, copywriting, graphics, press release, planning Music videos Negotiation Non-profit management Postgraduate education options Press/PR Proscenium stage Repertory-based companies Self-producing choreographic work Starting a for-profit company Studying abroad Teaching at studios and K-12 schools Teaching at university Theme park jobs Time management Touring (arena scale, non-profit companies, independent artists, etc) Websites for independent artists and dance-related businesses Working with a commercial dance agent Phew! We mean it when we say “thriving dance community!” Welcome to Los Angeles.

A $100 deposit is non-refundable for all registrations. Cancellations made at least 30 days before the program are eligible for a full refund (minus the deposit). Within 30 days of the program, no refunds will be issued. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to jumpstartladance@gmail.com. We aim to be reasonable and recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise, so please reach out if needed.

We do not provide housing, but we’re here to help! If you’re coming in from out of town and would like to connect with fellow attendees to share housing costs, we’re happy to facilitate introductions. Since the program is taking place at LMU, we’d encourage you to look at Airbnbs, hotels, or other housing options in the neighborhoods surrounding campus including: Marina Del Rey, Culver City (west of the 405), Mar Vista, and/or Playa Del Rey.

Yes! Please reach out to us at jumpstartladance@gmail.com to set up a payment plan.

Our 2025 scholarships have been awarded. Each January, we release a new scholarship application, with awardees notified by mid-February. Stay tuned—next year’s application will open in January 2026!

Each of the FIVE DAYS of JSLA include a variety of: Movement Classes — that focus on a specific skill or style reflective of the Los Angeles dance world — (CONTRA-TIEMPO and Toogie Barcelo have taught at all three years of JSLA!) Q&As — Many faculty stay after said movement classes to share key insights and stories from the field. — (Many 2025 attendees said Vickie Roan's Q&A was extremely informative) Seminars — Slides + speaker style. Don't worry, we build in wiggle breaks. — (JSLA Co-Founder Emily teaches a whirlwind LA Dance History class, for understanding your roots are essential to success) Moving Seminars — Interactive 'lecture demonstration'-esque classes led by EXPERTS, who are actively working in the field today. — (Learn by doing and experimenting in Jillian Meyers' signature "Dancing with a Moving Camera" class, which transforms the studio into a film set) 1-on-1 Mentorship Sessions — Meet with the JSLA producing team and faculty members to talk about your specific needs! We will offer guidance, encouragement, and resources to nurture your artistic vision and career goals. Check out the 2025 Schedule here!

Above all else, we hope you leave feeling INSPIRED and PREPARED to build a career in dance! Additionally, you will leave the program with: New friends and connections Detailed, specific instruction from many industry leaders An understanding of the Los Angeles dance ecosystem Personalized one year plan with quarterly goals for your career An updated headshot A digital packet of information including slides shared, job listing sites, and resources to reference …plus a copy of Co-Founders Gracie & Laura’s book Reflect, Reframe, Rebuild!

Email jumpstartladance@gmail.com — and Emily, Gracie or Laura will reply!

The program is built for dancers (ages 19+) who are pursuing careers as professional performers. Although there is no formal audition process, classes will be taught at an intermediate/advanced level. Rising juniors, rising seniors, and those who are 1-3 years out of undergrad are ideal candidates for this program. If you're not sure if it's a fit for you, email us at jumpstartladance@gmail.com.

We understand that $700 is an investment, and we appreciate you considering spending your hard-earned money on our program. Our goal is to offer a rate that reflects the quality and value of JUMPSTART/LA while staying accessible to early career artists. One way to break it down is by looking at the hourly cost. With a schedule of 10 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday, we’ll be together for 35 hours, meaning you are spending $20 per hour—a rate that’s still in line with or even lower than many professional dance classes. Plus, this investment includes world-class faculty, 1-on-1 mentorship, seminars, headshots, and career development resources all in one place. IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 15 with our early bird code (EARLYBIRD25), your hourly rate drops to $17.14 per hour!

We get it! It is hard to know how to begin and where to put your energy. You might feel like if you focus on one thing, you will miss a different (or better, groannnn!) opportunity in another part of the dance world. You feel like most of “being a working artist” is beyond your control or unattainable. Your “dream job” might not exist yet. Maybe it is up to YOU to create said job? Embrace your role as mover and shaker in our ecosystem, as there is space to carve your own path and create the career of your dreams. HOW are we going to do this? Throughout the week, you build an career plan to figure out your priorities and actually INTEGRATE everything you learn at JSLA into your daily practice.