Misty Copeland is a transformational figure in ballet as the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. In establishing The Misty Copeland Foundation (MCF), Ms. Copeland aims to build upon her efforts as an advocate and activist for diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance, especially ballet.

The Misty Copeland Foundation’s mission is to provide community-based opportunities to explore dance, especially programs that engage young girls and boys of color; advance the art form of ballet, and pursue social justice through art activism.

BE BOLD, the signature program of the MCF is envisioned as a high-quality afterschool dance program to be offered in local Boys & Girls Clubs and similar community-based sites serving youth.

BE BOLD training will be conducted through a customized partnership with diverse experts in the fields of Ballet Pedagogy, Child Development, Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Positive Youth Development.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Will support the mission, vision, values, and goals of the BE BOLD Program
• Has command of the technical aspects of their instrument (piano, percussion, guitar preferred)
• Has experience accompanying dance classes
• Has a varied repertoire (pop, classical, funk, jazz, world, etc.)
• Plays dynamically, expressively, and with energy
• Possess improvisational skills
• Can read music (a plus)
• Has experience teaching music to children
• Is flexible and able to adapt to the needs of different after-school settings
• Is committed to restorative, inclusive, and anti-racist education

Hired Musicians:

• Must be available for a short Training Workshop (Friday, September 8th to Sunday, September 10th, 2023, 9:00 am-5:00 pm)
• Will receive a $750 stipend upon completion of the BE BOLD Training and the signed BOLD Teaching Artists Agreement.
• Must complete all the necessary onboarding paperwork required at each designated site. Your availability to start working will be determined by the partnering site and the completion of all paperwork.
• Artists must be available at least 2 days per week during after-school hours (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) from September 18th, 2023 to January 15th, 2024.

Pay Rate:

• $100 per class
  • This fee includes compensation for playing time, pre-planning with the BE BOLD team, and related travel.

• Complete a BE BOLD Musician Application (click this link)
  • The Fall Application deadline is Friday, July 21st, 2023.
• Submit your resume and provide links to two to three short videos (45-60 secs) of you playing different styles of music
• The MCF Team will review submissions on a rolling basis and invite candidates to come for an in-person training session.