Mentor Journal Entry

September 10, 2021

What is your objective?

To raise sufficient funds to donate to ELEVATE in order to pay for new equipment and support the competition or scholarship kids. We plan to achieve this through a dance production with a couple of hand-picked kids by May 2022. Each dance will have a specific meaning that explores a global issue being faced.  

How to communicate your project with them?

Gaby Abarca is the owner and head dance teacher at ELEVATE. We have the option to communicate through emails or in-person interviews. My team and I have already sent an email to her on September 6 which simply described the project’s vague idea and asked if she was interested. Our next step is to schedule an interview where we discuss each other’s expectations and project logistics. For future communication, the most simple will most likely be Whatsapp. 

What are you planning on asking them? (we met sept. 10,2021)

• Discuss our smart goal and objectives 

• Are you interested in being a part of the project?

Yes

• How exclusive should the show be?

All ages due to competition season. The studio will be busy training and practicing with the company kids for competition during this time. Gaby recommended that we give other kids the opportunity to participate as well since the competition team will be extra busy. 

• Should we charge for practice or only entry tickets?

Charging for practice doesn’t work because we are students. Gaby had the idea to ask for donations rather than a fixed ticket price. Tickets are as much as the audience wants to donate. We will set a goal for the amount of money we wish to earn.

• How long should the show be?

Not too long: 2 big groups, 1 small, and a few duos or solos.

• Would you or Chanelle be interested in choreographing a piece?

No, because they will be busy doing the competition dances. We could ask other students to support us by choreographing a piece for the show – Allison could teach junior hip hop. 

• What topics should be addressed? 

Gaby recommended that we first establish the groups and the kids in each before choosing the issues. The topic’s influence will depend on the group and age of maturity. 

• What do you think about the deadline?

Early May or late March works best because it is before competition season arrives. 

• Best location?

Langosta or Cria. Another option is the dance studio’s parking lot but it costs a lot more.

• What would the schedule look like?

The majority of the classes will be on the weekend. During the week we can use the junior hip hop class. On Saturdays, the competition team is practicing. Depending on who is in which dance we can also work on Saturday. 

• What is the name of the project?

The project name will be the same as the production and it all depends on the topics we address. 

Idea: I’m closer to nature so I’m closer to myself 

What are the expectations?

• Every 2 rehearsals meet together in person
• Gaby helps coach and mentor us during the production phase.  
• WhatsApp and in person is the best way to communicate
• Create a positive experience for the kids 

In conclusion, the meeting with Gaby was super beneficial. We managed to communicate our initial thoughts with each other and establish a firm foundation for our project. We discussed our next steps and the expectation we have for each other. During the meeting, the three of us demonstrated multiple IB learner profile traits. We were risk-takers, communicators, principled, open-minded, and caring. We approached the risk with courage and confidence. We communicated our opinion, while still being kind and caring about the opinion of others. We were open to Gaby’s constructive criticism and ideas to improve our project. The proposals she gave were very clear and allowed us to get a clear understanding of the outcome we desire as a team.