Position Summary:
Cincinnati Ballet is seeking an Academy Instructor to support our youngest dancers in the Children’s Division (ages 3–7). The Academy Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality ballet instruction within the Otto M. Budig Academy’s student training programs. With a focus on fostering a love of dance, nurturing students’ development as artists, and advancing their technical abilities, this position is integral to the Academy’s mission of providing world-class dance education to a diverse student body.
The ideal candidate is well-versed in dance education, teaching methodology, and classical ballet pedagogy; serves as a strong ambassador for the organization; and brings a fun, caring, and energetic approach to teaching and student engagement. Depending on the candidate’s experience and artistic background, this position may include opportunities to teach students across a wider range of ages and levels.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, age-appropriate ballet instruction that meets students’ needs and offers an appropriate level of challenge, following the curriculum and syllabus provided by Cincinnati Ballet.
- Depending on the instructor’s experience and assigned student levels, additional teaching responsibilities may include pointe, repertoire, conditioning, and other selected coursework.
- Create an inspiring, compassionate, and supportive learning environment, offering equitable guidance and encouragement to all students.
- Recognize and respond to different learning styles by adapting instruction and providing individualized feedback based on each student’s needs.
- Demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusion and belonging by welcoming and celebrating cultural differences and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and by providing a safe environment for self-expression.
- Choreograph and rehearse short works for student performances and showcases.
- Maintain appropriate discipline and student engagement in the studio with creativity, patience, and grace. Implement disciplinary measures when necessary and in accordance with Cincinnati Ballet’s behavioral guidelines.
- Participate in the student evaluation process as directed by Academy leadership.
- Record and report student attendance and promptly communicate concerns to Academy leadership.
- Adhere to all Cincinnati Ballet program policies, employee guidelines, and Academy Instructor expectations.
- Use appropriate behavior and language to ensure that all classes and spaces are welcoming and inclusive for students, participants, and family members.
- Maintain clear, collaborative communication with the supervisor on all departmental matters. Provide regular and timely updates regarding program status, student progress, and disciplinary concerns.
- Communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally with parents and caregivers regarding relevant classroom matters, following Academy communication policies and established staff-family boundaries.
- Maintain a proactive and flexible approach to work, including a willingness to participate in marketing and recruitment initiatives, Academy events, and performances.
- Monitor email regularly and respond to communications in a timely manner.
- Attend all required faculty meetings and instructor training sessions.
- Attend and support selected Academy + Education events and productions, with advance notice provided.
Key Professional Experience:
- In-depth knowledge of dance education, teaching methodology, and classical ballet pedagogy.
- Knowledge of early-childhood development and age-appropriate teaching practices for children ages 3–7.
- Experience teaching creative movement and introductory ballet concepts to young children.
- Strong classroom-management skills, with the ability to maintain an engaging, structured, and nurturing learning environment.
- Ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally with students, parents, caregivers, and colleagues.
- College degree in dance preferred; equivalent professional dance training or experience will also be considered.
- Minimum of two (2) years of dance-teaching experience, preferably including experience with early-childhood or elementary-aged students.
- Experience choreographing or staging works for student performances.
- A nurturing demeanor and the ability to exercise appropriate authority and discipline when necessary.
- A passion for serving students and families and a commitment to the values and culture of Cincinnati Ballet’s Academy + Education programs.
- Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to inspire students of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds while effectively supporting individual learning styles.
- Proven ability to work sensitively and effectively with people from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and generational backgrounds.
- Exceptional judgment and an unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of minors, including maintaining appropriate staff-student boundaries.
- A desire to learn, grow, and continually strengthen teaching practices.
- Demonstrated dependability, flexibility, and leadership skills.
Expected Work Hours and Travel:
The Academy Instructor must be able to work a flexible schedule of approximately [XX–XX hours per week]. The schedule may include weekday, evening, and/or weekend hours. Most hours are scheduled in advance; however, some flexibility is required, and schedules may change seasonally. Occasional travel to performance venues and community centers may also be required.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
- Candidates will be asked to teach a sample class as part of the selection process.
- Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement:
Cincinnati Ballet believes that our organization and our art should be inclusive and welcoming. We provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We invite you to join us!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Application Question(s):
- Which class offerings would you be available for?
Work Location: In person
