Mentorship

 Sophie Cucco

Mentors are incredible sources of guidance, strength, and comfort. They often step into our lives when we need them most, offering wisdom and encouragement that help us become the best version of ourselves. I’m incredibly grateful to have one of my own. My mentor is my former dance teacher, someone who has played an essential role in my personal and professional growth. For five years, she taught me, guided me, and pushed me in ways that helped shape who I am today.

Our relationship began when I joined her dance class, but over time, it grew into something much deeper. I wasn’t just a student and often, I would assist her with younger classes, or we would spend one-on-one time together in private lessons. I spent so many hours at the studio that it started to feel like a second home, and she became like a second mom to me. Her support didn’t stop when I graduated. When it was time for me to audition for college dance programs, she welcomed me back into the studio and helped me film my audition tapes. We talked at length about my aspirations, and she even wrote one of my recommendation letters. I still remember reading what she wrote and being struck by how much she believed in me. She was the first person who made me truly feel like my dream of becoming a professional dancer could actually come true.

But our relationship wasn’t always easy or simple. She was also my coach, someone who had high standards and expected me to work hard. She challenged me constantly, and through that, I learned some of the most important lessons of my life. She taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of showing up even when things get tough. Our journey together had its share of frustration, tears, and breakthroughs, but all of it made me stronger. I learned not just how to dance better, but how to carry myself with integrity and confidence.

During my final years as her student, I watched her go through her own transformative journey. She became a mother, and her daughter was born with only one hand. Watching her navigate that experience with grace and strength was profoundly moving. It was a difficult, emotional time, but she handled it with so much love and purpose. Ultimately, her family made the decision to leave Michigan and move back to Pittsburgh, where they would have more support. That decision taught me a powerful lesson about the sacrifices we sometimes need to make in order to find happiness and balance. Her courage inspired me to take a leap of my own, to move to New York and pursue my dreams, even though it was scary and uncertain.

Figuring out life on your own is hard. Having someone you trust who can share their own experiences with you, who can listen without judgment and offer insight when you’re lost—that’s one of the greatest gifts life can offer. Mentorship isn’t just about instruction; it’s about connection. In fact, sometimes mentorship can even come from within yourself, as you reflect on the lessons others have given you and apply them to new situations.

Even though we’re no longer in the same place, she’s now in Pittsburgh and I’m in New York, we still keep in touch. In fact, we have a video call scheduled for next week. Despite the miles between us, her presence in my life hasn’t diminished. She continues to be a source of support and inspiration, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. Through honesty, love, and connection, she has helped me grow and evolve into the person I always hoped I could become. That is the true power of mentorship.