A Dance Teacher teaches students in dance movement and choreography. Usually requires previous dance experience. Teaches a variety of dancing styles to individuals or groups of students. Styles may include ballet, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, jazz, lyrical or modern.
$44,173 / year median in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)
Ballet Instructor After-School Arts Program | Washington, D.C. Immediate Opening Arts4Schools is seeking an experienced and engaging Ballet Instructor/Teaching Artist to lead an after-school ballet program for K-12 students in Washington, D.C. Arts4Schools is a nonprofit arts education organization providing professional arts instruction and creative learning experiences to students during the school day and through after-school programs. We are not simply looking for someone to keep students active for an hour. We are looking for a ballet instructor who can teach students the art, language, discipline, technique, and professional expectations of ballet .
Program Schedule Current instructional block:
3:45 PM to 4:45 PM Additional instructional opportunities may become available based on school programming needs. What Students Should Learn The Ballet Instructor will introduce students to the fundamentals of ballet in an age-appropriate, engaging, and professional manner. Instruction should include areas such as: Ballet terminology and vocabulary Proper posture, alignment, and body placement The five basic positions of the feet Basic arm positions and port de bras Plié Tendu Dégagé Relevé Passé Rond de jambe Battement Chassé Balancé Basic turns, jumps, and traveling movements appropriate to student ability Barre work Center-floor exercises Across-the-floor combinations Balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength Musicality, rhythm, timing, and counting music Spatial awareness and movement patterns Proper warm-up and cool-down practices Ballet etiquette and classroom/studio expectations Stage presence and performance skills Students should also gain an understanding of why ballet technique matters , how proper placement protects the body, and how ballet serves as a foundation for many other forms of dance. Professional Arts Education The instructor should help students understand that ballet is both an art form and a profession.
Students should be exposed to:
The history and traditions of ballet The role of the dancer, choreographer, instructor, and artistic director Professional dance vocabulary Rehearsal expectations Dance discipline and preparation Respect for the studio, fellow dancers, and instructors How dancers prepare for auditions, rehearsals, and performances Our goal is for students to leave the program able to talk about ballet, demonstrate what they have learned, and understand the discipline behind the art form . End-of-Quarter Performance The Ballet Instructor will prepare students for an end-of-quarter performance or showcase demonstrating the skills, terminology, technique, and choreography learned throughout the program. The instructor will be responsible for: Developing age-appropriate choreography Rehearsing students throughout the quarter Preparing students for stage presentation Teaching entrances, exits, spacing, formations, and performance etiquette Working collaboratively with Arts4Schools and school personnel to prepare for the culminating presentation The performance should reflect student growth and provide families and the school community an opportunity to see what students have learned. Instructor Responsibilities The Ballet Instructor will: Develop structured weekly lesson plans Teach progressive ballet skills rather than isolated activities Introduce and reinforce ballet vocabulary Demonstrate proper technique and body placement Adapt instruction for different ages and ability levels Maintain an organized and positive learning environment Track student growth and participation Encourage creativity, discipline, confidence, and artistic expression Maintain professional communication with Arts4Schools staff and school personnel Arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled classes and rehearsals Prepare students for the required end-of-quarter showcase or performance Qualifications Candidates should have: (show videos of your work and have reference in hand) Strong training and experience in classical ballet Professional performance, teaching, conservatory, studio, or collegiate dance experience Knowledge of ballet terminology, technique, alignment, and foundational movement Experience teaching children or young people Ability to break down ballet technique so beginners can understand and perform it safely Ability to create age-appropriate choreography Strong classroom and behavior-management skills Strong communication and organizational skills Reliability, professionalism, and enthusiasm for arts education A degree in dance is welcomed but is not required when the candidate can demonstrate substantial professional training and teaching experience. DCPS Clearance Requirements Candidates must be able to meet all requirements for working with students in DC Public Schools.
Applicants must:
Be able to successfully complete all required background checks and clearances Meet applicable fingerprinting and school safety requirements Be eligible to receive DCPS clearance Applicants who are already DCPS-cleared are strongly encouraged to apply. About Arts4Schools Arts4Schools provides professional arts education experiences for K-12 students through artist residencies, after-school programs, assemblies, performances, workshops, and interdisciplinary arts programming. We believe students deserve more than exposure to the arts. They deserve the opportunity to learn the language, technique, history, discipline, and professional practices behind the art form. If you are a trained ballet professional who loves teaching young people and believes students should experience ballet as a true artistic discipline, we invite you to apply. Immediate placement opportunities are available in Washington, D.C.
