Question 1

What does a typical day at JUMPSTART/LA include?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is JUMPSTART/LA preparing me for any particular type of job?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What if I don’t know what I want to do? I’m interested in a lot of things!

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Where should I be in my dance training to get the most out of the program?

Accepted Answer

Most JSLA events are built for dancers (ages 19+) who are pursuing careers as professional performers. Although there is no formal audition process, each training opportunity is designed with a specific focus, and offerings may be structured by level or experience to best support participants.

If you're not sure if it's a fit for you, email us at jumpstartladance@gmail.com.

Question 5

What will I leave the program with?

Accepted Answer

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 
A digital packet of information including slides shared, job listing sites, and resources to reference

Question 6

Why did you start JUMPSTART/LA?

Accepted Answer

We created JUMPSTART/LA to fill the gaps that traditional university programs and other institutions 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.

Question 7

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Do you provide housing?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

A portion of the registration fee is non-refundable, and specific refund rates will vary by program.
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.

Question 10

I still have a question! How do I reach you?

Accepted Answer

Email jumpstartladance@gmail.com!

Frequently Asked Questions