Teaching Artist

Job Description

Job Description

About The Joffrey Ballet

Considered one of the premier dance companies performing today, the Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region. The Joffrey expresses an inclusive perspective on dance that reflects the diversity of Chicago through its Company Artists, Academy and Community Engagement programs. 

The Joffrey Ballet believes in the positive, transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to promote dance through an unwavering commitment to high-quality performances, education, and innovation. Our commitment to "Joffrey For All" forms pathways for every person to experience the joy of dance. 

About The Academy

Founded in 2010, the Grainger Academy of the Joffrey Ballet , provides students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds with a world-class education, built on a foundation of classical ballet.

Based in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower, home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios and facilities. In 2021, The Joffrey Ballet acquired two more state-of-the-art studios in the South Loop of Chicago. 

About The Position

The Grainger Academy of the Joffrey Ballet Teaching Artist (TA) teaches exceptional arts education classes for the Grainger Academy, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. We are looking for TAs who are adaptable, demonstrate knowledge and preparedness, care about all students, create a joyful atmosphere, and are experts in their style(s) of dance. 

TAs provide instruction in one or more of the many styles of dance taught at the Joffrey Academy including, but not limited to, ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, character, hip hop, jazz, Pilates, and West African, as well as adaptive classes for neurodiverse students. TAs offer highly structured dance experiences, encouraging students to develop technique, creativity, artistry, confidence, discipline, and life skills. Programs run throughout the academic year from fall through spring, with separate programs offered in the summer months. Our student body includes individuals from early childhood to senior adults. 

Teaching Artist Responsibilities Include: 

• Plan and provide class material relevant and appropriate for the age level and dance style. 
• Travel and arrive on time to the Joffrey Tower (10 E. Randolph, Chicago) or the Joffrey Academy South Loop (1920 S. Wabash, Chicago). 
• Follow Academy curriculum guidelines when provided. 
• Complete student evaluations. 
• Attend annual faculty orientation meetings. 
• Meet with families as requested. 
• Support students by creating a safe, student-centered environment. 
• Bring appropriate music to play music for class. 
• Choreograph dances for students to perform in Academy performances. 
• Maintain constant and clear communication with the Abbott Academy Director, Division Heads, and the Administrative team. 
• Maintain a positive environment in the studio in which all students can succeed. 

Qualifications: 

• Professional dance experience is required with a minimum of two years of teaching dance. 
• Clear background and reference checks are required. 
• Experience teaching and choreographing dances that engage and challenge students. 
• Strong communication and time-management skills, and high emotional intelligence. 
• Ability to effectively teach and address learning needs across gender, age, race, ability, socio-economic and cultural diversity. 
• Ability to command a room and engage students while modeling ideal behavior. 
• Embody exemplary professional conduct and respect for school and community culture. 
• Demonstrated expertise in dance technique that adheres to the Joffrey Academy curriculum guidelines. 
• Ability to demonstrate full body dance movement for each class, which typically lasts between 45-90 minutes. 
• Must regularly explore skill development to grow as an artist and must be open to feedback. 
• Shares a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. 

To Apply:

Please review attached description and submit your resume and a letter of interest along with completing the application. Please include any links to instructional videos you have available. 

Please note that we are regularly looking for Teaching Artists to join our Academy. When you submit your materials, we may not reach out to you right away. That said, if there is alignment with your skills and experience and the classes we are looking to fill, we will reach out to you.  

The Joffrey Ballet is an equal opportunity employer, providing opportunities to candidates and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform adequately, national origin citizenship, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by law.