Danza Folclórica Teaching Artist (Grades K–2)
People’s Center for Cultural & Contemporary Arts (PCCCArts)
Location: José Clemente Orozco Community Academy – Pilsen, Chicago
Job Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:15–4:45 PM
Program Dates: September 21, 2026 – June 4, 2027 (Follows CPS Calendar)
Weekly Hours: 4 paid hours (3 teaching + 1 planning)
Required Orientation: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – Morning
About PCCCArts
The People’s Center for Cultural & Contemporary Arts (PCCCArts) is a Chicago-based nonprofit arts education organization providing high-quality, culturally responsive arts programming for children and youth through partnerships with schools and community organizations.
Position Overview
PCCCArts is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Danza Folclórica Teaching Artist to join our after-school program at José Clemente Orozco Community Academy in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.
The Teaching Artist will provide introductory Mexican folklórico dance instruction to students in Kindergarten–2nd grade, helping young dancers develop foundational movement skills, coordination, rhythm, confidence, cultural knowledge, and an appreciation for Mexican dance traditions.
This is an introductory program designed specifically for young children. The ideal candidate should understand that teaching K–2 students requires a highly engaging and developmentally appropriate approach incorporating movement, music, repetition, games, storytelling, and creative activities.
The Teaching Artist will introduce students to basic folklórico technique and age-appropriate dances while creating a joyful environment where students can explore Mexican music, dance, and culture.
Schedule & Hours
- Tuesdays: 3:15–4:45 PM
- Thursdays: 3:15–4:45 PM
- Teaching: 3 paid hours per week
- Planning: 1 additional paid hour per week
- Total: 4 paid hours per week
- Program Dates: September 21, 2026 – June 4, 2027
- Program follows the Chicago Public Schools calendar
- Required Orientation: Morning of Saturday, August 29, 2026
Consistent attendance, punctuality, preparation, and communication with PCCCArts staff are essential.
Responsibilities
- Teach introductory Danza Folclórica to students in grades K–2
- Introduce basic folklórico technique, footwork, posture, rhythm, coordination, and movement
- Teach age-appropriate dances and choreography from Mexican folklórico traditions
- Introduce students to the music, clothing, traditions, and cultural context associated with dances being taught
- Incorporate movement games, rhythm exercises, creative movement, storytelling, and other developmentally appropriate activities
- Help students develop body awareness, balance, coordination, musicality, and spatial awareness
- Introduce students to basic skirt work and/or other age-appropriate dance techniques when applicable
- Break choreography and movement into accessible steps for young beginning dancers
- Develop engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans
- Use weekly planning time to prepare lessons, choreography, music, and instructional materials
- Differentiate instruction based on students’ ages, developmental needs, abilities, and previous dance experience
- Build students’ confidence and comfort with performing in front of others
- Prepare students for school performances, showcases, and community events
- Collaborate with other PCCCArts Danza Folclórica instructors and Teaching Artists when preparing shared performances or program activities
- Maintain a positive, structured, inclusive, culturally responsive, and joyful learning environment
- Use effective classroom and behavior-management strategies appropriate for Kindergarten–2nd grade students
- Encourage teamwork, listening, discipline, creativity, confidence, responsibility, and cultural pride
- Communicate student progress, challenges, attendance concerns, and program needs with PCCCArts staff
- Support the proper care, organization, and storage of costumes, dance materials, and program equipment
- Follow PCCCArts, school-site, and applicable CPS youth-safety requirements
QualificationsRequired
- Experience performing and/or teaching Mexican Danza Folclórica
- Knowledge of Mexican folklórico dance traditions, technique, music, and choreography
- Experience teaching dance or movement to children
- Ability and enthusiasm for working specifically with Kindergarten–2nd grade students
- Ability to make dance instruction engaging, interactive, and developmentally appropriate for young learners
- Ability to break down dance steps and choreography for beginning students
- Strong classroom-management and communication skills
- Patience, enthusiasm, creativity, and a positive approach to arts education
- Ability to create a safe and encouraging environment for young dancers
- Dependability and ability to maintain a consistent teaching schedule
- Availability Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15–4:45 PM
- Availability for required orientation on August 29
Preferred
- Previous experience teaching Danza Folclórica to children or youth
- Experience working specifically with early elementary students
- Knowledge of dances and traditions from multiple regions of Mexico
- Experience choreographing for youth performances
- Experience preparing young dancers for performances and community events
- Knowledge of age-appropriate skirt work and folklórico performance technique
- Experience developing dance curriculum and lesson plans
- Experience with classroom management in an after-school or school setting
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills
- Degree, coursework, or professional training in dance, Mexican folklórico, dance education, arts education, or a related field is preferred but not required with equivalent professional and teaching experience
What We’re Looking For
Above all, we are looking for a Teaching Artist who understands that teaching Danza Folclórica to K–2 students is about building strong foundations and a love for dance and culture.
Students should have opportunities to move, explore rhythm, learn basic technique, experience Mexican music and traditions, and gradually develop the focus and coordination necessary for more advanced folklórico instruction.
The successful candidate will create a classroom that is structured but joyful, balancing technique and choreography with activities appropriate for young children.
Additional Paid Opportunities
PCCCArts Teaching Artists may also be offered additional paid opportunities based on program needs and individual availability, including:
- Performances and community events
- Additional dance classes
- Workshops
- Rehearsals
- School programs
- Special events
- Summer programming
- Other PCCCArts arts education opportunities
Any work outside of the regular 4-hour weekly assignment will be compensated separately.
Youth Safety Requirements
Selected candidates must complete all applicable background checks, fingerprinting, mandated-reporter requirements, and PCCCArts/CPS or school-site compliance requirements before working with students.
To Apply
Please submit your résumé along with a brief description of:
- Your Danza Folclórica training and performance experience
- Your dance teaching experience
- Your experience working with young children
- The Mexican regions/styles of folklórico you have experience teaching or performing
Performance videos or other examples of your work are welcome but not required.
Applicants should confirm availability for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15–4:45 PM and the required August 29 orientation.
Join the PCCCArts teaching team and help our youngest dancers build confidence, movement skills, cultural knowledge, and a lifelong appreciation for Danza Folclórica.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
Work Location: In person
