Dance Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The MacColl YMCA and Pawtucket YMCA in Rhode Island are seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and engaging Dance Instructors to lead dance programs for participants ages 3-5 (Pre-School), 6-12 (Youth), and future teen sessions. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, age-appropriate instruction while creating a positive, safe, and inclusive environment that promotes confidence, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and a passion for helping participants develop coordination, rhythm, movement, and performance skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Essential Functions:

1. Lead and instruct dance sessions for pre-school, youth, and future teen participants, focusing on:
2. Basic dance movements and coordination
3. Rhythm and musicality
4. Creative movement and choreography
5. Confidence and performance skills
6. Create a positive and engaging environment that encourages participation, creativity, and enjoyment for all participants.
7. Supervise groups of children and teens, ensuring a safe, structured, and inclusive atmosphere at all times.
8. Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and standards, including safety protocols, behavior guidance strategies, and child abuse prevention policies; make ADA accommodations where appropriate.
9. Plan and deliver sessions that are developmentally appropriate, energetic, and aligned with YMCA values, with a focus on character development, teamwork, leadership, and self-expression.
10. Build positive relationships with participants and families by modeling strong communication and leadership skills.
11. Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding participant progress, program updates, and upcoming events.
12. Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program events as required.
13. Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and overall program organization.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Ability to understand and comply with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.

• Completion of criminal background check and screening in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Completion of required Child Abuse Prevention training prior to and throughout employment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).