Dance Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Dance Instructor
Reports to: Director of Programming
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
Compensation Range: $22-25/ hour
Start Date: July 2026

171 Cedar Arts Center is a 501c(3) nonprofit arts center dedicated to teaching and enriching lives! We provide accessible visual & performing arts education, outreach programming to underserved youth, student performance opportunities, and free exhibits of regional art. Our Mission is to celebrate community and the arts through experiences and connections.

POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking to hire a multi-discipline Dance Instructor who will be responsible for leading dance classes for students aged 2 through adult. Proficiency in ballet and tap are desired, with additional proficiency in another discipline such as hip-hop, jazz, or contemporary/modern. Instructor will provide in-studio dance lessons to students by verbally communicating and physically demonstrating required techniques and combinations, while following level-specific curriculum. The Instructor will provide support as a substitute teacher to other department faculty as needed. They will be instrumental in sustaining our existing programs and curriculum, with opportunities to contribute to short-term classes and workshops. The Dance Instructor will provide class placement recommendations for their students at the end of the academic year. Reports to Director of Programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Teach 3-4 beginner classes per week during the academic year (which runs September – May) culminating in a year-end recital. Additional opportunities for advancement and to teach short-term classes, workshops, outreach programs, and summer camps.
• Ability and willingness to substitute for other dance classes when needed as part of a highly collaborative faculty.
• Cultivate a positive experience for students that is grounded in 171’s vision of inclusivity and belonging which is foundational to our non-competitive dance program.
• Observe students to determine physical and artistic qualifications and limitations.
• Plan class lessons for each level that align with students’ physical abilities, develop strength, expand learning and provide growth opportunities through new challenges.
• Properly explain and demonstrate dance techniques, safe methods of movement, and correct execution of dance steps to ensure the health of students.
• Serve as a liaison between the Director of Programming and parents to ensure lines of communication remain open regarding their child’s progress, correct level placement, and personal matters as appropriate – with demonstrated discretion.
• Ensure that dance facilities are clean and notify administrative staff if custodial services are needed.
• Work collaboratively and effectively in a supportive environment with other faculty, administrative leadership, parents, and 171 stakeholders.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
2-4 years prior experience teaching dance
Dance degree, professional certification, or equivalent experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The dance department at 171 is a dynamic, welcoming, and supportive environment that thrives on collaboration. Faculty are expected to be flexible and adaptable to changes in the workplace while demonstrating a welcoming demeanor to students. Instructors must demonstrate an ability to engage with people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. Successful candidates should be creative, outgoing, self-motivated, good communicators, empathetic and organized with a strong attention to detail.

Application Instructions:
We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. 171 is dedicated to considering a wide variety of candidates including those with non-traditional backgrounds.

Please submit your resume with cover letter and two professional references to View email address on ziprecruiter.com with the subject line DANCE INSTRUCTOR. References will not be contacted without prior notification. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity!