DDP Talks To Shane Jewell (Executive Director)

Oregon Ballet Theatre

Oregon Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. Courtesy of Shane Jewell

“I cannot express enough the importance of mentorship. This industry is very unique and there is so much data and historical knowledge that new leaders can tap into with a mentor. Not to suggest that new leaders don’t bring a needed fresh perspective to dance, but it is important that perspective come with the understanding of what has and what has not worked so far in our industry. By working with a mentor that can avoid so many pitfalls that they would be vulnerable to otherwise. 

It is also incredibly important for a new leader’s mental health. More often than not, we are unique leaders in our communities as we are the few (if not only ones) who work in this field. This can lead us to feeling like our problems are unique and we are on our own to find the solutions. I have found that few challenges in our industry are truly unique and that feeling of being part of the normal ebbs and flows of dance can be comforting. No one is an island.

 When I started at my first dance company, I thought that my knowledge in presenting Broadway tours, as well as running a classical music festival would make for an easy transition to dance. In a very short amount of time, I realized how much I had to learn and immediately sought an executive coach who had worked in dance for many years. It was through this mentorship that I truly learned how to approach the business of dance with integrity and a sense of how to strategically position these organizations for financial success. For example, ballet specifically is a unique performing arts business model because most performing arts organizations do not have an educational component that is such an important part of the artistic and financial health of a company.”

Being a mentee:

  • The ability to learn from the vast amount of historical knowledge that exists in our field allows new leaders to avoid navigating the natural challenges and opportunities that are ever present in the field of dance.
  • The importance of a sounding board to navigate the relationship management both internally and externally which are critical to success.
  • A new leader has “honeymoon capital” with their board, a mentor can help guide them as to how to use that capital which can either bolster trust with the board or create doubt.
  • The single most important relationship in a dance company is the executive director and artistic director. This relationship needs to be handled with care on both sides from the onset and a mentor can help guide a new leader to navigate the natural conflict that exists between these positions which is healthy for a dance organization.

Being a mentor:

  • Working with a new leader to the field is an incredibly rewarding experience that often leaves the mentor with a new perspective to view their own organization. At times we get mired in past precedent and risk aversion that keeps us from making bold decisions. A fresh perspective is always important.
  • Working with a mentor can often turn into a self-assessment. Knowing the best advice to give someone and living that advice are two different things. Each time I have had a mentee it has improved my approach to work.
  • A mentee can build a strong and lasting relationship with your two organizations that open up opportunities for partnerships which are vital to the success of our industry.