Name: Gwendolyn Pritchett
Age: 13
Where you're from / Where you live: I'm from Prince Edward Island, but I'm currently in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Professional Division!
Mentor: Elizabeth Lamont
What made you want to be part of the PointePeople Mentorship Program?
I wanted to be a part of this program because it looked like an overall great opportunity. I really wanted to just have the experience of being trained by someone who has been through it all!
Why did you want to work with your particular Mentor?
I wanted to work with Elizabeth for many reasons. First, she is at the same ballet as me, so she will know what curriculum is being taught to me. Second, I saw a few of her performances last year, and I thought she was an amazing dancer! Third, she is such an inspiration to me, and I [knew I] would really love the experience.
What is your favorite part of the program so far?
Probably all of the master classes. Having the ability to be taught by all these amazing dancers has motivated me to train even more!
Is there anything unexpected you’ve learned or experienced through the program, so far?
I have learned new ways of doing certain moves. Some of the classes being taught are in a different curriculum than my normal classes, so it’s nice to try something new!
How is this program helping you to grow as an artist and a dancer?
It has helped me so much, and we’re only halfway through! I have a more open outlook to other methods of ballet and dance in general. I have been feeling a lot more artistic through my arms and legs lately, and I am sure it’s from these classes. I will forever be grateful for this program for teaching me to be less self-conscious of my technique and to be more free artistically!
Best advice you have received from your Mentor?
It would have to be believe in yourself. You're better than you perceive yourself to be. It means a lot to me that she thinks highly of me, and it makes me very self-confident!
What would you tell someone who is considering applying to be a Mentee in the future?
Do it! Unless you don’t have the time for it, it’s worth it!
It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had with dance in my entire dance journey so far. Learning from all the different mentors is amazing and so are the privates with your mentor! I would 100% recommend this program to anybody looking for the
experience or the guidance.
