The participants of the EYE programme are Natalia Szpineta, a new entrepreneur (NE) passionate about dance education and choreography, and Maria João Gouveia Vieira da Costa, the host entrepreneur (HE) managing Estúdio13, a performing arts organization in the Azores. Natalia discovered the programme online and, upon contacting Estúdio13, introduced them to the opportunity.
Natalia decided to participate to gain hands-on experience in managing a dance institution, learning about event organization, financial management, and securing grants. She expected to develop a financial plan and gain valuable insights into marketing and audience engagement. For Estúdio13, hosting Natalia offered a chance to exchange knowledge, enrich their teaching approaches, and explore international collaborations. The partnership was envisioned as mutually beneficial, fostering both professional and cultural growth.
During the exchange, Natalia familiarized herself with the school’s teaching methods, while observing and leading dance classes, also participated in the Pluralidades festival, helping with planning and on-site coordination. In the second month, she took on a more active teaching role, replacing resident instructors. She also gained insights into financial management, funding strategies, and the operational aspects of running a dance school. Then she contributed to the preparation and execution of the Talent Show organized by the Ponta Delgada City Council, performed at the Singularidades festival organized by the studio, assisted with event preparations, and choreographed a piece for the Julietas performance. The relationship between Natalia and Maria João was built on mutual respect and collaboration. Natalia contributed her skills in choreography and digital marketing, while Maria João and her team provided mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
Natalia has developed essential skills in dance school management, event organisation, financial planning and marketing. She has improved her teaching methods, gained experience in choreographing performances such as Julietas and deepened her knowledge of fundraising for artistic projects. She has added valuable choreographies and artistic performances to her portfolio. In addition, she has expanded her professional network by establishing contacts with dancers and cultural institutions, opening doors for future collaborations.
For Estúdio13, hosting Natalia brought fresh perspectives in classes, choreography and approach on the dance school while strengthening their international reach. The exchange fostered a strong professional relationship, with both parties expressing interest in future joint projects, including potential collaborative performances and workshops across Europe. The experience proved to be a stepping stone for long-term artistic and entrepreneurial cooperation.
The EYE programme has been an incredible experience of growth and collaboration. I gained invaluable knowledge about managing a dance institution, broadened my creative and entrepreneurial skills, and made meaningful connections. It was also a profound cultural and dance immersion.