Description
We are seeking a Founding Elementary Dance Teacher to design and lead an exemplary dance program that integrates technical skill, historical context, physical expression, and artistic excellence.
This role will lead the creation of a high-caliber elementary ballet program from scratch, instilling core technical mastery in Kindergarten and building a sustainable, scalable pathway of artistic excellence through Grade 5. In this role, you will establish foundational ballet technique and essential movement concepts, develop scholars' performance abilities, and cultivate an enduring discipline and appreciation for dance.
Responsibilities
- Establish a culture of artistic excellence: Build a dance program with high expectations for alignment, musicality, discipline, technique, choreography, and thoughtful performance decision-making.
- Deliver a rigorous dance curriculum: Deliver a structured, developmentally aligned curriculum that grounds young scholars in essential ballet principles and fundamental movement skills, establishing a high-caliber technical foundation that expands across grade levels through clear modeling, guided practice, and scholar mastery.
- Teach dance through historical and cultural context: Introduce scholars to landmark classical and contemporary ballet works, iconic choreographers, and foundational dance history. Guide young dancers to understand how form, discipline, and artistic expression communicate emotion and story on stage.
- Cultivate physical literacy and critical thinking: Teach scholars to observe movement with precise detail, analyze technical execution, discuss artistic choices, and articulate constructive reflections on their own practice and the performances of peers.
- Stage high-caliber, presentation-ready performances: Establish uncompromising standards for performance quality, leading scholars through disciplined rehearsal, critique, and refinement. Direct school-wide showcases, assemblies, and prepare scholars for network and community stage opportunities.
- Build a strong artistic community: Engage families through studio open houses, showcases, and celebrations of scholars' physical and artistic growth. Foster relationships with local ballet companies, cultural institutions, and dance organizations to expand scholar exposure and enrichment.
- Collaborate and continuously improve: Actively participate in network-wide professional development, seek and integrate feedback, collaborate with Performing Arts colleagues across Success Academy, and continuously refine instruction to elevate program outcomes.
Requirements
- Hold high standards for artistic excellence: You have a discerning eye for technical quality and a strong understanding of what makes choreography technically accomplished, thoughtfully composed, expressive, and original.
- Bring substantial dance expertise: You have a strong background in dance performance, choreography, dance education, or a related discipline, with demonstrated knowledge of foundational dance techniques, terminology, and movement processes.
- Understand dance in historical and cultural context: You can connect classroom practice to choreographers, landmark works, dance methodologies, vocabularies, traditions, and ideas, helping young scholars develop a meaningful understanding of dance beyond the physical act of moving.
- Have experience developing dancers: Your performance history, teaching experience, studio practice, choreography, or other professional accomplishments demonstrate a sustained commitment to dance and a clear understanding of artistic growth.
- Believe in the potential of every scholar: You combine high expectations with patience, explicit coaching, and an unwavering commitment to helping young scholars master foundational movement, developing both physical discipline and artistic confidence.
- Value reflection and continuous improvement: You welcome critique, analyze instructional practice, and are dedicated to refining curriculum and studio culture to build an increasingly stronger program over time.
Qualifications & Requirements
- A degree in Dance, Dance Education, Choreography, or a related field is strongly preferred. Strong applicants demonstrate a clear history of dance training, performance, choreography, and teaching young students. Candidates who offer a strong mix of professional dance experience, deep subject knowledge, and proven success in the classroom are highly encouraged to apply.
- Fluency in English is required. Bilingual fluency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred.
- Candidates should be prepared to share a performance reel or recordings, sample choreography, lesson plans, or class videos that showcase their instructional technique and approach to developing young dancers.
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM* (when after-school club is not in sessions, Dance Teachers' schedules will align with academic teachers)
Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. This position is not bonus eligible. Compensation Range $55,000-$55,000 USD