Special Announcement

We are excited to announce two updates within our community.

We are thrilled to welcome David Barocio to our Board! David has had an illustrious career spanning professional ballet and arts advancement, training with institutions such as San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre before transitioning into leadership after performing professionally. He now serves as Executive Director of Advancement for Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma Foundation, where he has generated more than $20 million in support for the arts. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with both a BFA and MBA, and a 2022 Outstanding Fundraising Professional honoree, David brings extraordinary expertise and passion to our mission. We are so excited to have David on board!

We are also excited to announce Megan Hill as our new Director of Community! Megan has been a member of our team since January 2025. In addition to spearheading virtual panels last year, including a Social Media Panel and Fireside Chat with author Justin Key, Megan was an integral part of last year’s Summer Soiree and is already busy coordinating Second Act events for later this year.  As Director of Community, Megan is excited to continue creating opportunities for connection among our community members while also working to expand our reach and assist even more dancers looking to pivot professionally. We are so excited to see her in her new role!

Mentorship Program

We are currently representing 22 active mentorships. Backgrounds span across a variety of different companies and programs, including:

We’ve also welcomed new Mentors to the program, including:

• Liz Bustle: Arts and Fitness

• Talia Kurlansky: Nonprofit Work

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

Jazzercise X Second Act

Join us on Saturday, March 7th for a 2A Jazzercise class! In addition to an excellent workout, taught by Alex Lance, your ticket includes a post-class reception and enters you to win a pair of legwarmers from our partner RubiaWear. This event is a great way to connect with members of our community and support our mission by helping us raise funds to further our work. Space is limited so sign up HERE! 

Spring 2026 Events

Have an event idea you’d like to see hosted? Feel free to email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hosting more virtual and in-person events in the new year.

Scholarships

Apply for the Encore Fund Scholarship! We are in the final month of our application window for  in our pilot year of the Enfore Fund Scholarship - applications close March 31.

Requirements:

• Professional or pre-professional dance experience (including paid work or participation in accredited training programs)

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• U.S. citizenship (subject to possible expansion)

• Age 18 or older

• Enrollment or planned enrollment in a post-secondary program by Fall 2026

We will be hosting office hours with our Director of Scholarships, Shelby Whallon, on March 25th from 8-9pm EST. Get all of your scholarship related questions answered with first hand guidance - sign up here.

From Our Community

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!

Count 9

Check out Count 9, a podcast created and hosted by Second Act mentor Ben Goodly!