Hello, Second Act Community!

We’ve got some incredible things to celebrate. This year, Second Act has soared to new heights:

• 110+ incredible mentors

• 80+ driven mentees

• Hundreds of powerful mentorship sessions

• Encore Fund Scholarship launch

• Engaging partnerships with the Joffrey and more

None of this would have been possible without you. So let’s raise a glass together! Join us on Thursday, August 7 from 7pm-10pm for our Summer Soirée — a night of celebration, connection, and community in New York City. 

Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word — just be sure to grab your tickets soon! Space is limited, and this is one summer night you won’t want to miss. Let’s toast to how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed next! See below for more details:

A Special Announcement

We’re excited to share that the Encore Fund, a scholarship program supporting dancers transitioning into higher education, will officially be joining Second Act as part of a strategic integration. Beginning July 1, 2025, Encore Fund will serve as the foundation of Second Act’s newly established Scholarships Program, expanding our ability to champion dancers beyond the stage.

We’re also excited to welcome Encore Fund’s founder, Shelby Whallon, as our new Director of Scholarships. Shelby will continue her incredible work within Second Act, advancing our shared mission to empower dancers through every chapter of their journey.

Second Act and Encore Fund have long been aligned in purpose and partnership, with many Encore scholarship recipients also participating in our mentorship program. By joining forces, we’re combining Encore’s proven track record in scholarship administration with Second Act’s mentorship infrastructure and operational support. The result: more comprehensive, sustainable support for dancers pursuing new futures through higher education.

“Scholarships and mentorship will work hand in hand to ensure that professional dancers feel supported and understood in their transitions away from dancing. Encore’s mission housed under one organization will help dancers excel beyond the final curtain closing, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

- Shelby Whallon, Founder of The Encore Fund

Read the full Press Release here!

Mentorship Program

We are currently supporting 25 active mentorships. Backgrounds span across a variety of different companies and programs, including:

Currently, we are thrilled to be supporting 21 Mentees. In the last quarter, we’ve also welcomed several new Mentors to the program, including:

• Megan Amanda Ehrlich – Software engineering

• Daniel Cho – Product design

• Cydney Bronstein – Labor relations (AGMA)

• Kate Maxted – Labor relations (AGMA)

• Shao Peterson – Arts Administration

• Teryn Colmery – Marketing

• Alli Matz – Business Development

Current mentors: If you would like a mentor profile featured on our website or need to update your current profile, please complete the Headshot and Bio Form.

Events

We kicked off our very first Industry Speaker Series Panel this past spring, and it was a hit! 🎉

Our incredible mentors Katie Capristo, Alanna Swovelin, and Caitlin Sloan took center stage, sharing their journeys from ballet to careers in Arts & Administration. The conversation, expertly moderated by our very own Carolyn Bakich, was honest, inspiring, and packed with actionable insights.

👯‍♀️ 3 amazing speakers
 👀 14 engaged attendees
 📣 Promoted organically via email, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even a flyer at Broadway Dance Center!

We’re so excited to have launched this series, and we can’t wait for what’s next. Stay tuned for our next panel coming up this summer!

Organizational Updates

2A Blog

We are so excited to announce that Second Act’s website now has a Blog page! Please click here to read our first blog: Beyond the Pointe: Julia Erickson’s Journey from Ballet to New Beginnings, by Paige Shea.

Interested in contributing to the Blog page? Please email a writing sample to [email protected] to be considered. 

From Our Partners

LEAP

Deadline for Fall applications is August 15, 2025; apply here!

Murmure Skincare

Murmure Skincare aims to make a real difference by offering safer and more effective skincare options that align with your values. Founded by two former ABT Dancers, Jonathan Klein and Emily Hayes, Second Act is thrilled to champion these two incredibly smart and impactful entrepreneurs who are paving the way for dancers to launch creative ventures beyond the dance studio.

We’re excited to share a discount code with you all: Use promo code “SECONDACT” for 15% off your entire purchase!

Só Dança

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Só Dança through the Encore Fund! Use promo code “SDPLUSEF10” for 10% off your entire purchase!