Dance Instructor

Description

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Arts and Humanities Director and in accordance with the Christian principles of the YMCA,   

the dance instructor will instruct and supervise while introducing basic techniques of one or more of the following dance disciplines in a fun, positive, and inclusive, atmosphere: ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, musical theater. Staff members will establish and maintain supportive relationships with the children and parents and provide a quality experience to children and parents that focus on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. 

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are WELCOMING: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are GENUINE: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are HOPEFUL: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are NURTURING: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are DETERMINED: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Deliver course content following industry standard dance criteria. Develop and implement sequential weekly lesson plans. Successfully demonstrate, instruct and supervise dance class in a positive, encouraging, and safe manner.
2. Successfully plan, lead and implement program activities, and accomplish tasks with minimal supervision.
3. Recognize participant learning styles and deliver content accordingly. Encourage and develop participants to meet success.  
4. Maintain records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, incidents/accidents, etc.).
5. Report issues that arise (i.e parents, staff, children, coworkers) to the Director and maintain good communication.
6. Work with the Director on rehearsal and performance schedules
7. Bring new ideas for classes and overall best practices to the Director
8. Organize and put away needed class equipment. Report damaged equipment.
9. Foster positive relationships with a diverse group of employees, members, and volunteers, and successfully work in a team environment.
10. Build effective, authentic relationships with youth and adult participants; help them connect with each other and the YMCA.
11. Attend staff meetings and training as scheduled. 
12. Follow all YMCA and Arts & Humanities department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary
13. Complete required YMCA training according to Edwardsville YMCA employee policy.
14. Other duties as assigned

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through the engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. College coursework in Fine Arts (Dance) or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Familiar with creative movement exercises and beginning-level class content in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, and or musical theater. 

3. Past dance instruction experience with a variety of age groups preferred.

4. Works well with students - exhibits patience, warmth & respect.

5. Displays superior relationship-building skills and communicates effectively with a diverse group of employees, volunteers, children, and parents.

6. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and additional training according to YMCA policy.

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.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to respond swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the gymnastics environment, including anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.