Overview

AADF2026 Rising Artists Mentorship is a 5-month program that runs in tandem to the latter portion of the Collaborative Residency program. The Mentorship provides early career AAPI choreographers the opportunity to be mentored by AADF Co-Director, Dr. grace shinhae jun to create a short choreographic work or work-in-progress.

• Exploration of Identity - With independent research, mentees explore themes of inhabiting multiple cultural spaces, how to navigate conflicting expectations, and what it means to live in that liminal place of being both Asian/Pacific Islander and American. Through this creative process, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves, while serving the community as they amplify AAPI stories of shared struggles, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster collective resilience.The results of this research is be presented alongside the residents at AADF2026 Collaborative Residency Showcase.

• Opportunity to Apply for Collaborative Residency or Internship: Those who complete the Mentorship may apply to participate in either the Collaborative Residency or Internship the following or later year.

*Jun 14 - ChoreoLAB Workshop (optional to participate)

*Jul 19 - ChoreoWreck (encouraged to attend)
Sep 4 - AADF2026 Collaborative Residency Showcase
Sep 20 - Final Meeting & Recap

• Open to early AAPI choreographers of all dance genres. Prior choreographic experience required.

• AAPI choreographers interested in exploring questions of identity, specifically as relates to identifying as both Asian/Pacific Islander and American.

• AAPI choreographic duos are eligible to apply. However, we recommend you contact us to discuss prior to submitting an application.

Throughout the Residency, choreographers and spoken word artists will have several opportunities to engage with the community for both research and sharing of work.

ChoreoLAB (June 14) - Choreographic Workshop
Mentees are invited but not required to participate in a choreographic workshop that explores movement generation through the lens of cultural heritage and identity. Workshop participants play with ways to incorporate their personal cultural identities into dance making, particularly when working in "western" dance forms. The workshop is open to all, not just AADF program participants or those who identify as AAPI.

AADF2026 Collaborative Residency Showcase (Sep 4) - Presentation of Choreographic Research

The Mentees’ final choreographic research projects, if they choose to share, are presented at AADF2026 Collaborative Residency Showcase. This may take the form of a dance work and/or presentation incorporating other mediums.

Production Support & Education

Mentees assist in the production of AADF events that they are not performing or participating in - AADF Dance Film Screening, AADF Community Day, and AADF Mainstage Showcase.

Rehearsal Space - As needed, rehearsal space provided for the duration of the mentorship (2 hours/week for 2026). Mentee choreographers can choose to rehearse in their own studios if they prefer. 

Mentorship - Ongoing mentorship from Dr. grace shinhae jun with possible mentorship from other AAPI artists and arts professionals, including meetings, one-on-one rehearsal visits, and feedback.

Education - Mentees have opportunities to take professional development classes and workshops that are essential for dance artists who eventually wish to self-produce or work for dance organizations. Topics may include grant writing, marketing & social media, self-promotion, creating and managing budgets, etc.

Financial Support

• Honorarium of $250 disbursed at the end of the program.
• Additional funds may be raised by Mentees via AADF2026 online fundraising campaign for final project needs.

Production, Marketing & Tech Support - Support provided for all events.

Documentation - Photo and video documentation of all events.

• Must be available for entire Mentorship from mid-April through mid-September
• Must be available for all AADF events listed above.
• Must be able to navigate transportation in and to San Diego for in-person rehearsals, classes, workshops, and events. Candidate would ideally be local to San Diego County, but not required if able to be present for all required happenings and events.

• 18 years of age or older.
• Early career choreographer of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent.
• Open to choreographers of all dance forms.
• Not a student or enrolled in any degree seeking program at the time of the program - some exceptions (please inquire).
• Not participating in a comparable development, fellowship, or residency program at the time of this program.
• Not currently a member or employee of TILTshift Dance.