Dance Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a YMCA Dance Instructor, you will be responsible for creating a fun and engaging environment where children can learn basic dance movements and develop coordination, rhythm, and creativity. You will design age-appropriate dance lessons that incorporate music, storytelling, and imaginative play to encourage participation and enjoyment among young children.

Essential Functions:

1. Lesson Planning: Develop and implement weekly lesson plans that focus on teaching fundamental dance techniques and movements suitable for children.
2. Creative Instruction: Utilize creative teaching methods such as storytelling, themed activities, and imaginative play to make dance classes enjoyable and engaging for young children.
3. Music Selection: Choose age-appropriate music that complements dance routines and helps children develop a sense of rhythm and coordination.
4. Demonstration: Demonstrate dance movements and techniques in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring that children can easily follow along.
5. Encouragement and Support: Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to motivate children and build their confidence in their dance abilities.
6. Safety Awareness: Maintain a safe dance environment by ensuring that equipment and dance spaces are free from hazards and that children follow safety guidelines during classes.
7. Class Management: Manage class dynamics effectively by maintaining control and discipline while fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where all children feel valued and included.
8. Parent Communication: Communicate regularly with parents to provide updates on their child's progress, upcoming activities, and any important information related to the dance program.
9. Professional Development: Stay informed about current trends and best practices in early childhood education and dance instruction through training, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
10. Collaboration: Collaborate with other YMCA staff members and volunteers to coordinate special events, performances, and other activities related to the dance program.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Multi-Team or Branch Leader):

• Communication & Influence-Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
• Developing Self & Others-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
• Program/Project Management-Ensures programs or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making-Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement.
• Inclusion-Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
• Emotional maturity-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

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.
• Experience working with children in a dance or early childhood education setting.
• Strong knowledge of basic dance techniques and styles suitable for children.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and interact positively with children and parents.
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for working with children and helping them develop their skills and confidence.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods and lesson plans to accommodate the individual needs and abilities of each child.
• Certification or training in dance instruction, early childhood education, or a related field is preferred but not required.

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).