The Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, a non-profit performing arts center (located in Brooklyn, NY) that aims to use the arts, primarily dance, as a means to empower youth within New York’s inner city communities, is currently seeking experienced, skilled, professionally trained dance instructors invested in sharing their passion for the art of dance. Instructors should be qualified to teach beginning through advanced levels of West African Dance.

 

This is a contracted (hourly) position and reports directly to the Executive Director. The Instructor should be able to disseminate techniques for the class and have obtainable learning objectives. Instructors should lead by example in areas such as punctuality, responsibility, motivation, and professionalism. They will implement self-enrichment pedagogy by providing professional instruction to students who desire to take classes for pleasure, professional advancement or self-improvement. The Instructor should also be able to demonstrate methods and techniques for the class, observe and correct dance students as they attempt to do it themselves, and offer suggestions to students on how to improve their dance techniques.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Available September 12, 2016 - January 13, 2017, 3 times per week on the following days and times:

Tuesdays and Fridays from 5pm-7pm
Saturdays from 12:00pm -12:50pm and 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Explain and demonstrate techniques and methods of dance with musical or rhythmic accompaniment, to students of all ages.
Choreograph, and direct performance, which involves creating new dances or rewriting existing ones.
Understand, accept, and abide by the center’s philosophy and mission statement in all his/her daily activities.
Punctual (this means early) for classes
Prepared for each day, and maintain regular attendance.
Teach from difference; differing or varying according to circumstances or relevant factors
Create a positive classroom environment, which supports engaged student learning.

 

Required Qualifications:

Degree in Dance and/or 10+ years professional experience.
Proficient in two dance techniques. Three or more is a plus.
Ability to demonstrate patience
Able to teach all ages
Demonstrated experience working with urban children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,
Excellent leadership skills including an ability to command respect and motivate achievement while working effectively with young people.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate well to diverse persons, and work as a team member
Demonstrate ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks with completing deadlines in a self-directed, prioritized and calm manner.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
An understanding of health and safety to prevent injury.
The ability to motivate people and encourage them to succeed.
Ability to control groups of pupils.
Professional appearance.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Please Inquire

 

The following must be submitted to be considered for this position.  Please send an email to team@dwanasmallwoodpac.org including…

Resume
Cover letter detailing your interest in this position
Links to your reels (teaching a class in West African Dance)

Contact information of two professional references.