About NDI

Mission and History

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise, and leads the field of arts education with a model program that has been studied and replicated worldwide. At the root of NDI’s methodology is the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage children of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and socio-economic positions, and motivate them toward excellence in all aspects of their lives. Since our inception, more than two million children have been impacted through engagement in immersive, participatory dance programs led by NDI’s professional teaching artists.

In-School Program

NDI reaches thousands of students annually through in-school residencies, advanced scholarship programs, inclusive programming for children with disabilities, teaching artist trainings, and public performances. The centerpiece of NDI’s programming is the In-School Program. This inclusive program is delivered by teams of three teaching artists—two dance teaching artists and a music teaching artist—who teach collaboratively to ensure deep and authentic learning in the art form and success for every child.

NDI classes take place during the school day and are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that the arts are an essential component of learning in our partner school communities. NDI primarily serves elementary (K-5) schools; all students in a selected grade or grades participate in the program. In the 2021-22 school year, NDI expects to work with over 6,500 students every week in partnership with close to 50 schools across the New York City region. Most programs meet once per week for the duration of the school year; some are semester-long or half-year residencies. Students learn fundamentals of dance and music, as well as a range of critical life and social-emotional skills. A well-defined and established program structure ensures that teaching artists develop close working relationships with classroom teachers, and that students connect their NDI learning to the wider school curriculum. Every NDI class includes live music, a crucial piece of our unique methodology. NDI’s programs culminate in celebratory performances of artistic quality in which students take the stage to share their achievements with their peers, their families, and the larger community.

NDI Method

NDI teaching artists utilize the NDI Method, which embodies the philosophy of joyful and rigorous learning, the importance of teamwork and respect for others, and the power of performance. These effective teaching techniques, developed and tested over 45 years, equip professional artists to engage and motivate students of all abilities in school settings. NDI teaching artists take students on an artistic journey in which process and product are equally significant. As students grow their skills as dancers and performers, they also develop creativity, gain confidence, learn to express their ideas through movement, and collaborate with peers. The joy, agency, and feeling of accomplishment that children experience in NDI carries over into all aspects of their lives and learning.

Information about the NDI Teaching Artist Role:

NDI Teaching Artists:

- Are practicing artists, who have professional performing experience and/or training
- Come from a variety of artistic traditions and have the desire to share their unique artistry with children
- Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are about their art form
- Exude joy and love of dance
- Are dynamic, expressive, and energized movers
- Have experience creating choreography
- Have strong musicality
- Have a confident presence and positive and inclusive classroom management skills
- Understand the developmental needs of children and are capable of tailoring instruction to support different learners
- Are committed to anti-racist education
- Are committed to culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices, and to creating classrooms in which every student is seen, valued, and feels that they belong
- Have experience with (or a willingness to learn) lesson planning and designing units of instruction
- Are reflective practitioners who seek opportunities for continuous learning
- Are collaborative; thrive in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared
- Are flexible, and able to adapt to the needs and strengths of different school communities
- Believe that all children are dancers and capable of achieving success in and through dance
- Believe that being in the presence of children is a privilege

In order to fulfill our mission, NDI is dedicated to building and sustaining an organizational culture grounded in diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We are committed to hiring and advancing teaching artists who reflect and represent the rich diversity of the children, families, and communities we serve. Black, Indigenous, people of color, teaching artists with disabilities, teaching artists from underrepresented ethnic groups, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ teaching artists are especially welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

First-year NDI Teaching Artists are hired on a part-time basis and paid at a rate of $35-$45/class. Teaching artists new to working with NDI are staffed in teaching teams with colleagues who are experienced in the NDI Method.

Requirements to Apply

- Passionate alignment with NDI’s mission and values
- Ability to make a solid commitment to teaching during the school day, at least one day per week, ideally for the duration of the school year (early October to early or mid- June)
- Must be reliable and punctual
- Availability for paid professional development workshops as well as individualized training during the school year
- Ability to travel within NYC’s boroughs
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. No visa sponsorship is available for this position
- Offers for employment are contingent upon the candidate having successfully completed a background check

To apply, please CLICK HERE.

What’s Next?

- NDI will review written applications and select final candidates for an audition on Zoom the week of July 5.
- Following the Zoom auditions, five teaching artists will be selected to participate in NDI’s remote professional development workshop this summer, which will be held July 19-22, 2021. Participants will receive a stipend of $400 for participation in the training.
- Potential for teaching artists job opportunities in the 2021-22 In-School Program based on the availability of In-School Program work to commence in late September/early October.

Please contact Natalie Correa at ncorrea@nationaldance.org with any questions. Thank you for your interest in teaching with NDI!