Grant Application for
Crooked Tree Arts Center
Mission Statement:
To create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
23-7187264
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Angela
Morris
Address:
461 E Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI 49770
Email:
Phone Number:
231-347-1236
Website:
Project Name:
CTAC School of Ballet's Choreographic Mentorship Residency
Project start and end dates:
August 1, 2025
December 1, 2025
Amount Requested:
$
5000
Project Description:
Last summer, the CTAC School of Ballet held its first Choreographic Mentorship Residency, offering pre-professional dancers a rare opportunity to create and present original work under the mentorship of retired dance professors Peter Sparling and Robin Pettersen. Eight student works (11 dancers) were selected to participate in over 80 hours of rehearsals across multiple donated studio spaces. Mentors and staff rotated between rehearsals, while students led all aspects of production—from choreography and rehearsals to costuming, music, lighting, and public speaking. Group discussions encouraged reflection and growth. The program fostered creativity, confidence, problem-solving, and communication skills. Student works were showcased informally in September and then in November at the Fall for Dance performance. Based on the success of last year, we are continuing this program annually. We request $5,000 to fund one professional mentor’s stipend, travel, lodging, and meals for 2025.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
275
What percentage are female?
75
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
While the CTAC School of Ballet serves both boys and girls, its student body is overwhelmingly female, with girls ages 4–18 making up the vast majority. In fact, two to four male dancers are typically recruited each year just to support female-led ensembles. The Choreographic Mentorship Program offers a rare and vital opportunity for these young women to explore leadership through choreography—an area where women remain underrepresented. According to Dance Data Project, only 18% of full-length premieres commissioned by the 50 largest ballet companies between 2018–2023 were choreographed by women. Through one-on-one mentorship with professional choreographers, female students learn to lead rehearsals, make artistic decisions, and collaborate professionally—skills that boost confidence and strengthen communication. By introducing choreography before college, the program provides young women with tools, visibility, and encouragement to pursue choreographic careers, helping to close the gender gap in the field.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Pre-professional dancers are selected through a comprehensive application process in which they articulate their choreographic goals and artistic vision. Final selections are made by the mentor(s) in collaboration with the School of Ballet’s Artistic Director, based on the strength of the application and the student’s readiness for the experience. While selection is merit-based, CTAC is committed to accessibility and affordability. All School of Ballet students receive discounted tuition for multiple classes, and CTAC awards $50,000 annually in need- and merit-based scholarships across its programs. Up to 95% tuition assistance is available for dance instruction, and approximately 40% of dance students receive financial aid. All pre-professional dancers are supported with financial assistance for summer programming, and over half of those receiving aid come from households with adjusted incomes under $30,000.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
Through the Choreographic Mentorship Residency, we aim to cultivate artistic leadership, confidence, and professional readiness in young women by providing them with rare access to high-level mentorship and the tools to create original choreographic work. This program not only helps female students find their artistic voice but also gives them the platform, guidance, and responsibility to lead their peers in the creation and production process—skills that are transferable far beyond the studio.
In a field where women are underrepresented as choreographers, this program directly empowers girls to envision themselves as creators and decision-makers. It builds essential life skills such as self-expression, collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience. By mentoring the next generation of women in dance, we are addressing gender disparities in the arts and investing in their long-term potential.
This project embodies Hestia’s mission by empowering girls through opportunity, skill-building, and leadership development—creating a meaningful and lasting difference in their lives.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
We will evaluate both artistic growth & the personal & interpersonal skills students develop:
Pre- & Post-Residency Surveys: We will administer surveys to the participants before & after the residency. These surveys will assess their confidence in choreography, problem-solving abilities, & communication skills.
Observational Assessments: Mentors & instructors will take detailed notes on each student’s engagement, collaboration, & growth. This observational data will provide insights into their development in real-time.
Performance Evaluations: After the informal showing & the formal performance, we will gather feedback from the panel of judges and audience members. This feedback will help us assess the artistic quality of the student works and the effectiveness of their creative choices.
Grant Project Budget Form
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