POSITION SUMMARY: We’re looking for a creative, enthusiastic, and passionate Dance Instructor to help bring movement, musicality, confidence, and expression to our community! This role leads dance classes for a wide range of ages—from teens to active older adults—and teaches youth (ages 1-12) dance programs that build skills in a variety of styles (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Dance, etc.) and prepare participants for a celebratory end-of-season performance.
The ideal candidate brings joy to every class, inspires students to express themselves, and creates a space where everyone feels welcome and excited to learn.
In this role, you will:
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Provide a fun, uplifting, and safe atmosphere for all dancers.
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Build an inclusive environment where every participant feels supported.
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Use music, props, and engaging teaching tools to spark creativity and interaction.
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Deliver progressive, skill-building lessons that help students grow with confidence.
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Choreograph a 2-minute routine for the final performance and celebration event.
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Encourage lifelong participation in movement and physical activity.
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Demonstrate and uphold the YMCA’s core values every day.
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.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:
Skagit Valley Family YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. The Y does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. All staff hired at the Y are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Collaborate with the Youth Program Coordinator to develop meaningful program objectives and goals for each session.
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Create lesson plans for 12-week programs and/or summer dance camps that are age-appropriate, engaging, and progressively structured.
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Supervise participants according to YMCA program standards, including ratios, attendance, and safety guidelines.
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Adapt lessons and teaching styles to meet a wide variety of student needs and abilities.
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Provide exceptional customer service with quick, friendly, and attentive communication.
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Build an encouraging, positive class environment that lifts dancers of all skill levels.
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Maintain knowledge of branch emergency procedures and respond appropriately when needed.
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Participate actively in scheduled staff meetings, training opportunities, and special events.
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Maintain accurate attendance records for all classes.
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Ensure that program spaces remain clean, organized, and welcoming before, during, and after classes.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The requirements described here are representative of what is needed to successfully perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
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Must be able to lead fitness-related programs while walking, standing, bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
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Must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies.
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Noise levels can vary from moderate to high depending on class activity.
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Dance and fitness classes should include proper warm-up, cardiovascular conditioning, cool-down, strength, and flexibility components.
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Must maintain positive interactions with members, staff, volunteers, and participants— including those who may be experiencing frustration or challenges.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Job descriptions represent a general outline of job duties, functions and qualifications. They are not intended to be comprehensive in nature. In addition, jobs evolve over time and therefore their description may not reflect the precise nature of the position at a given point in time.
QUALIFICATIONS
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High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
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Minimum one (1) year of experience teaching dance in a structured environment.
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Ability to work effectively with participants of all ages.
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Understanding of youth development principles.
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CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
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Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting training required within 90 days of hire.
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Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to connect with diverse groups of people from varying backgrounds.
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Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail.
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One year of customer service experience preferred.
BENEFITS:
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Free YMCA household membership;
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403(b) Saving Account enrollment;
Your other benefits will be (waiting period applies):
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8 paid federal holidays a year (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
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Paid Sick & Vacation Day (accrual begins from day-1, eligible to use after 90-days)
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2 paid personal days & 1 paid birthday per year
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Medical, vision, and dental insurance (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
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403 (b) Retirement Employer Match (after 2 years with 1,000 hours)
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Life insurance, and more! (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
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Additional bilingual, premium pay of $1.00 for those who are fluent bilingual Spanish, Triqui, Mixtec, Russian and Ukrainian speakers. Ability to write or translate written materials is not required to receive this premium.
