Cora Dance is accepting applications for an experienced Ballet Teacher for our In-Studio Program, September 24, 2022–June 10, 2023. This position will ideally be filled by one qualified candidate who aligns with the culture and mission of the organization and is eager to work with a wide range of ages, experience levels, and abilities to provide a fundamental, technical foundation within a training program that primarily develops strong modern dancers, many of whom go on to attend performing arts middle and high school programs.

Cora Dance provides free and pay-what-you-can recreational, pre-professional, and professional dance education programs primarily through its Red Hook, Brooklyn-based studio. Cora Dance works in partnership with professional arts organizations, community-based organizations, and a response-ready volunteer team of health care providers, social workers, and advocates to provide personalized support to students. Cora’s education programs prioritize NYCHA, Section-8, and unhoused families to ensure students who may be restricted due to financial circumstances are assured a lasting artistic community, excellent programming, and successful paths to careers in the field. No one is ever turned away from Cora’s education programs based on their ability to pay.

 

Cora seeks an instructor for the following classes:

     – Ballet Level 1 (Ages 6-8) Thursdays 3-4pm*

     – Ballet Level 2 (Ages 9-14), Thursdays 4:10-5:10pm

     – Ballet Level 3 (Ages 12-18), Thursdays 5:20-6:20pm

*Cora provides an after-school “walkover” pick-up service from the school across the street. In addition to class instruction, candidates must be available at 2:15pm to assist Cora’s After-Care Associate with escorting students to Cora from this school. No other after-care responsibilities are required once students arrive at Cora’s facility, leaving instructors time to prep for classes.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

     – A passion for and commitment to training, mentoring and inspiring young dancers;

     – A minimum of 2 years experience teaching technique to young dancers in a studio environment;

     – A knowledge of and engagement with the history of the dance technique being imparted;

     – Experience working with children from diverse backgrounds;

     – Strong classroom management skills;

     – Organized, responsive, punctual with strong, consistent communication skills;

     – Bilingual (Spanish/English), preferred;

     – Fully vaccinated against COVID-19**.

Cora Dance is an equal employment opportunity employer dedicated to maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected class. Cora Dance is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values community, teamwork, creativity, understanding, and appreciation. People of color, women, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

**Cora Dance employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless the employee cannot be vaccinated on the basis of disability or religious beliefs.

 

COMPENSATION:

     – $45/class for 1-hour classes;

     – $20/hr for additional required meetings (2 in-person faculty meetings + 4 virtual check-in meetings);

     – $15 additional weekly fee for walkover assistance;

     – Limited free and discounted rehearsal space available for all Cora Dance employees.

 

Please send a cover letter along with a resume/CV focused on teaching experience and education to Managing Director Stephanie Queiroz at jobs@coradance.org with Ballet Teaching Artist in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until July 15 or until the position is filled.

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ABOUT CORA DANCE

Founded in 1998, Cora Dance began as the NYC-based professional modern dance company of choreographer and educator Shannon Hummel. For 25 years in NYC, Hummel’s work has been continually acclaimed for its humble sophistication and unflinching emotion, garnering high praise from critics, presenters, and community leaders as a “rare gem” (The New York Times).  Cora incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2001 and expanded in 2009, opening a sliding scale studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Rooted in a community that serves as home to Brooklyn’s largest NYCHA public housing community surrounded by affluent waterfront, Cora committed to providing equal access to programs while using dance as a catalyst for community intersection. From its beginning, the studio served as a home for the professional company and a pay-what-you-can school for dance, offering exceptional training while addressing disparities that restrict engagement. Turning no one away based on ability to pay, NYCHA, Section-8, and unhoused families receive priority enrollment, and SEA/Supporting Equal Access Services – after-school pick-up; childcare; free food, dance attire, and shoes; among other services – help ensure equitable experiences. As a result of Cora’s continued growth, CYC/Cora Youth Company – an audition-based repertory company for students age 10-18 – was formed in 2011 to offer select advanced students opportunities to learn and perform the works of professional choreographers while having access to counseling services; parent workshops; internships; paid professional work opportunities; and audition/application assistance to MS/HS/College programs. To date, 90% of CYC students have gained entry into their top choice of college, most on scholarship.

Cora Dance continued to grow and, in 2018, opened a larger facility in Red Hook to accommodate the increased demand for equitable and accessible arts programs. Remaining home to the company and school – now serving 600+ students per year, over 80% attending free or reduced tuition – the space also housed pre-professional CYC/Cora Youth Companies,  satellite programs, guest/resident artists, sliding scale-space rental, a studio-theater, and presentation of 20+ live events annually, including Red Hook Community Prom, an annual pay-what-you-can high-school prom-themed dance party.

In 2020, as programs in NYC were diminished due to COVID-19, Cora expanded on its 25 years of episodic rural programming to establish a residency and office space in Clifton Forge, VA. Desiring to mirror the programs and practices of its Red Hook center in a rural “Cora South” hub, professional company work and weekly pay-what-you-can dance education programs will launch in January 2023 with expanded opportunities for urban and rural youth to intersect via The Crossroads Project, a transformative initiative using dance to create connections between rural and urban youth across America. Presently, Cora is restoring programs that were reduced during the pandemic in its Red Hook home – rehiring and growing staff and faculty positions while growing its presence in VA and WV – and predicts a return to full programming by 2024. For information, visit www.coradance.org or call 718-858-2520.